THE LORD'S PRAYER
Chapter Thirty-One
It came to pass afterwards that He went throughout every city and village preaching the Glad Tidings of The Kingdom Of God. There was a certain woman who had been healed of evil spirits whose name was Mary, who was also called Magdalene. She joined with the wives of the disciples and was always near to Jesus.
2 Now, one day as they traveled an argument arose among the disciples as to how they should pray. They came up to Jesus and said, "Rabbi, tell us how we should pray, for there is much confusion."
3 Jesus said unto them, "Pray you not in public, but go you into a private place and pray. For when the Father hears you in private He will reward you openly.
4 Pray not in vain repetition as the heathen do, for they think they shall be heard better if they speak much. But do not be like them. The Father knows what things you need, even before you ask Him.
5 After this manner should you pray. Our Father, who is in Heaven, holy be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
6 Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors.
7 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory that is forever. Amen.
8 If you pray in this manner, all will be well with you and God."
9 Philip asked a question. "Lord, if we are to pray in private are we to confess in private, also?"
10 "Blessed is your heart, Philip," Jesus began, "that you seek wisdom, and I will answer you in this manner. When you have transgressed against God, confess to God. When you have transgressed against a man in public, or, even a woman, confess to them your error in public, also, so that that which was done in public shall be made right in public, that no man can later say of you 'He confessed unto me, but not so it was known."
11 And when Jesus had said all this He noticed that Demetrius seemed angry and sought to comfort him. But Demetrius would not be comforted. Philip did not understand his anger.
12 Jesus came unto him, saying, "Demetrius, are you really this angry that I borrow a tiny bit from Your Fathers, a pearl of wisdom that is worth sharing?"
13 Demetrius said nothing, but Jesus smiled and left him, telling Philip not to despair for it would pass.
14 They went on and a great number of people gathered around Him. He stopped and spoke to them a parable.
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER
Chapter Thirty-Two
"A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed some seed fell by the wayside and was trampled down. The birds of the air devoured it.
2 Some fell upon the rock. As soon as it sprung up it withered away, for it lacked water.
3 Some fell among the thorns. The thorns grew up with it, and choked it.
4 But some seed ffell upon the good ground and sprang up bearing fruit a hundred fold."
5 When He said these things He cried out, "Let them that have ears hear, let them hear!"
6 His disciples aasked Him, saying, "What do you mean by this parable?"
7 Jesus answered them saying, "To you is given to understand The Kingdom Of God in clear words, that you may know. But to others it is given in parables, that in seeing they might not see, that in hearing they might not understand.
8 Now, the meaning of this parable is this....the seed is The Word Of God. That that falls by the wayside are those that hear. Then comes The Dark Ones and takes away the Word out of their heart, less they believe and be saved.
9 The seed that falls on the rock are those that have and received the Word with joy. But the Word has no root with them. While they believe for a time, temptation overcomes them and they fall away.
10 The seeds that fall among the thorns are those that hear and go forth joyously but are choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of this life, and bring forth no fruit to perfection.
11 But that seed that falls upon the good ground are them that hear the Words with an honest and good heart, and upon hearing it keep it and go forth to give it unto all men, that they, too, might rejoice.
12 These, then, bring forth fruit a hundred fold, a thousand fold. These are the good seeds of God.
13 What profit a man if he light a candle, cover it with a vase, or put it under a bed? When a wise man lights a candle he puts it in a candlestick and puts it out where all men may see the light.
14 For nothing is secret that is made manifest. Neither is anything hidden that should not be known and come about.
15 So take heed, therefore, that you hear well, for whatever you hear is worth hearing and is right for the giving and should not be hidden away, as some men hide away their wisdom, thinking it good only for them. 16 Cherish what you hear, keep it well, and give it joyously to others."
17 When His disciples heard this they were filled with joy, for He gave unto them so openly.
18 It came to pass His mother and His brethren had come up to see Him but could not reach Him because of the press of the crowd. It was told to Him, "Your mother and your brothers stand without desiring to see you."
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