The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following the First Sunday of Lent (along with 3 other times during the year) are what’s called “Ember Days” in the Anglican Church: days set aside to pray for those called to Holy Orders (i.e. ordained ministry as Deacons, Priests, and Bishops).
So I invite you to pray and fast this week for those at The Table who are currently discerning a calling to Holy Orders to minister at The Table in those capacities. We have 7 people (!!) in various stages of discernment right now:
- Jon Crawford
- Maggie LaRocque
- Nancy Nethercott
- Andrea Reinhardt
- Joel Rockey
- Mallory Ruark
- Deb Sternke
Ember Days are also a great time to pray for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. So I ask for your prayers this week on behalf of Rev. Spencer Ruark (Deacon at The Table), Fr. Matt, and myself, as well as our Bishop Todd Hunter and the rest of the clergy of our diocese.
(If you’re curious to learn more about Anglican Holy Orders, this is a pretty good introduction. I’d also invite you to reach out to Fr. Matt or me if you have questions about it.)
Here’s a prayer for Ember Days from the new 2019 Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are called to any office and ministry for your people; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
I’m grateful every day that I get to serve and participate in the life of the Church with you all. Good Lent to you!
Grace and peace,
Fr. Ben
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