The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) is a powerful call to spiritual readiness and intimacy with the Divine. Here is a prayer focused on the themes of preparation, persistence, and the "oil" of the Holy Spirit.

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A Prayer for Spiritual Readiness

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Lord of the Harvest and Bridegroom of the Soul,

I come before You today acknowledging that the hour is unknown, but Your promise is certain. I do not want to be found sleeping when You arrive, nor do I want to be caught with a lamp that has flickered out.

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Grant me the wisdom of the five who were prepared:

 * Give me the "extra oil" of Your Spirit. May my relationship with You be deep and personal, not something I try to borrow from others at the last moment.

 * Strengthen my endurance. When the wait feels long and the world grows dark, keep my heart awake and my hope burning bright.

 * Sharpen my focus. Help me to prioritize the eternal over the urgent, ensuring that my soul is always ready to receive You.

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Forgive me for the times I have been complacent, assuming I had time to spare. Wash away the soot of distraction and rekindle the flame of my first love for You. Let my life be a light that never goes out, fueled by daily prayer, Your Word, and active faith.

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When the cry goes out in the night, "Behold, the bridegroom comes," may I rise with joy, trim my lamp, and enter into the feast by Your side.

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In Jesus' Name

Amen.

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Reflection Points

If you are using this for a study or personal devotion, you might consider these three "oil-filling" questions:

 * The Interior Life: Is my faith fueled by my own connection to God, or am I relying on the faith of my parents, spouse, or friends?

 * The Long Haul: What habits am I building today to ensure I don't give up if the "wait" is longer than I expected?

 * The Immediate: If the Bridegroom arrived tonight, what is the one thing I would wish I had set right?

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