They shared the oil among the group and kept going.

They brought oil later, after the lamps were already in use.

Check that you actually have what is needed before you set out

Keep the visible part and assume the missing part will not matter

Delay preparation and hope things work out

Focus on looking ready rather than being ready

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and that I cannot make myself ready before God. I have tried to manage my life in my own strength, but I need your mercy. I turn from my sin and from trusting myself. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as my Lord and Savior, and I ask you to make my life truly yours. Amen.

Come to Jesus and Be Truly Ready

Lord, wake your Church from careless religion and half-prepared living. Forgive us for looking ready while neglecting the life we need from you. Make us wise, watchful, and full of your presence, and prepare us for your coming, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wake Us Up, Lord

Pray by naming one area where you may be coasting on appearances. Ask God to show you what is missing, then ask for one clear step of obedience today.

Ask God to Show What Is Missing

Father, I confess that I have sometimes looked prepared while neglecting what matters most. Forgive my carelessness and my self-reliance. Turn me from foolishness to faithful readiness, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Forgive My Half-Prepared Heart

Bring these to God: a tendency to procrastinate, a fear of being unready, and a desire to be steady in the small things that matter.

Learn Steady Readiness

Pray for: someone who seems fine on the outside but is running low inside; courage to notice what is missing; and God's help to supply what they truly need.

For the One Running Empty

⸂αἱ{he###heh###the} γὰρ⸃{GAR###GAHR###for} μωραὶ{mo-RE###moh-REH###foolish} λαβοῦσαι{la-VOO-se###lah-VOO-seh###having taken} τὰς{TAS###TAHS###the} λαμπάδας{lam-PA-das###lahm-PAH-dahs###lamps} αὐτῶν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###their} οὐκ{ook###ook###did not} ἔλαβον{E-la-von###EH-lah-vohn###they take} μεθʼ{meth###mehth###with} ἑαυτῶν{he-af-TON###heh-ahf-TOHN###themselves} ἔλαιον·{E-le-on###EH-leh-ohn###oil}

Matthew 25:3 — Source TextTAB

More on this verse