(In The Traditional Language) O gracious God,
we remember before Thee this day Thy servant and apostle James,
first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom
for the Name of Jesus Christ;
and we pray that Thou wilt pour out upon the leaders of Thy Church
that spirit of self-denying service
by which alone they may have true authority among thy people;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with Thee
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever.
(In Contemporary Language)
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 the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever.