Yes, google "bench bleed" and "master cylinder." You'll have to do that as your first step. At least, that's where I'd start.

EDIT: Have you got ABS? Getting air into the ABS pump can be a headache, so be careful. You may just want to turn this project over to a pro if that's the case.

The moral of the story: never, ever let the master cylinder run out of fluid if you can help it.