O Gentle Jesus, Saint James was one of Your first apostles, but he started out as an impulsive, self-centered man.

He dared to ask You for a place of honor in Your kingdom, and he wanted You to destroy the villages that had rejected You, but eventually he developed a true understanding of holiness.

I ask him to pray that my humility grows stronger than my pride, that I submit my will to Your will, and that when I speak, my words reveal Your gentleness and love.

Restrain me when I want to rush ahead, and give me a broader perspective when I’m seeing things through a narrow, limited view.

Saint James, pray for me.

Amen.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CATHOLIC NOVENA PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS