Our Father, we thank You for this word.  It is a mysterious word.  Its truths are deep and wide.  We need the help of Your Spirit to understand it and to embrace it.  So, we ask, O Lord, that You would open our eyes; teach us the truth of Your word.  What we can understand, help us to understand.  What we cannot, help us to humbly receive because it is from Your lips, trusting that You will show us one day.  In the meantime, may our hope be built upon the word, and may You draw sinners to Yourself by Your word through the work of Christ.  We ask it in Jesus’ name.  Amen.