Almighty God, mercifully look upon our infirmities: that whereas we are afflicted by the burden of our sin, the glorious intercession of Thy Martyr and Bishop blessed James of Jerusalem may be our succour and defence; through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
OFFICE HYMN FOR S. JAMES BISHOP AND MARTYR
Jesu, of priests the joy and crown
on us with gracious eye look down
this day, when in the heav’nly height
Thy bishop gain’d his crown of light.
Proof of his love, and pledge of Thine,
he bare his mission from Thy shrine:
to guard and tend Thy ransom’d sheep,
which Thee, the Father, gave to keep.
The beasts from them he drove away,
and prowling wolves, that seek for prey;
he knew their guile, and in the strife
he ventur’d for his flock his life.
Oft as th’unbloody Sacrifice
James offer’d up, of countless price,
his flock he on the altar laid,
and of himself an off’ring made.
All glory, praise, and honour be,
O Jesu, great High Priest, to Thee;
all glory, as is ever meet,
to Father and to Paraclete. Amen.
