Shepherd of Hermas 51

1I say, "Sir, I do not know these parables, nor am I able to understand them unless you explain them to me."

2He says, "I will explain everything to you, and whatever I speak with you I will show you. The one who has received the commands of prudence will fill his own soul and will pray to the Lord on your behalf.

3"If, then, you complete the fast in this way as I commanded you, your sacrifice will be acceptable before God, and this fast will be recorded; and the service performed in this way is good and cheerful and acceptable to the Lord.

4"You shall keep these things thus—you, with your children and your whole household; and having kept them you will be blessed; and as many as, having heard them, keep them will be blessed, and they will receive understanding from the Lord."

5I say to him, "Sir, since I have you with me, I must ask you and question you; for you show me everything and speak with me. But if apart from you I were seeing or hearing these things, I would ask the Lord that it might be made clear to me."