O gracious God,
we remember before you today your servant and apostle James,
first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ;
and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church
that spirit of self-denying service
by which alone they may have true authority among your people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.