“You are permitted to understand the secrets13:11 Greek the mysteries. of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. 13That is why I use these parables,

‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.15 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.

“I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Lord God my Father,

Open my mind to allow your truth to rest on me, give me enough understanding to follow you without delay. Allow me to understand your secrets as I am ready so I may share you well.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen