Prayer to be like the wise virgins

[Chrysostom]

Your desire to be like the wise virgins is a good and holy desire, and we gladly pray with you for it.

The Lord taught that not only virgins in body but virgin souls shall enter the bridal chamber with bright torches. That virginity belongs to all who are freed from worldly imaginations and kept unpolluted, as it is written, I have espoused you to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. The foolish were shut out and heard, I know you not, not because they lacked a lamp, but because their oil failed. That oil, as the Scriptures show us, is lovingkindness. It is mercy toward the needy, a life that keeps the Spirit dwelling within and does not quench His grace. Without that oil, even with a lamp in hand, no one enters the Bridechamber.

So the way to be wise is not in repeating many words or seeking outward signs, but in preparing the soul daily. Keep watch, keep the body and mind pure, turn away from what corrupts the soul, and procure oil by mercy. As we are taught, melt down what is superfluous, put away love of display, and give to those in need. Forgive, show compassion, live chastely and soberly, and guard the grace of the Spirit that has been given to you, so that when the Bridegroom comes you may be found ready and your lamp burning.

We also hear your prayers for favor and blessing and for protection against the powers of darkness, and for the glory of God to be seen in the world. True favor is to be counted worthy to stand before Christ with a cheerful countenance. True blessing is to have the Spirit shining in you now, so that you will be raised not only to resurrection but to life. The war against principalities is fought first in the heart, by putting off the passions and putting on Christ, and God indeed delivers those who watch and pray.

Let us pray together. Father in heaven, we thank you for this soul who longs to be ready for your Son. Grant a pure heart, a virgin soul without spot or wrinkle, and fill the lamp with the oil of lovingkindness. Keep your Spirit dwelling within, teach hands to give and to show mercy, guard from all darkness and deceit, and make ready for the coming of the Bridegroom. Lead this life so that at His coming there may be entrance with joy into the kingdom prepared before the foundation of the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom alone is salvation, with thanksgiving. Amen.

 

[Silas]

Your desire to be like the wise virgins is a wise desire, and it is one the Lord honors. In the parable Jesus told, the kingdom of heaven is likened to ten virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish. The foolish took lamps but took no oil with them, while the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. When the bridegroom delayed, they all slept, but at midnight the cry came that he was coming. Then the foolish found their lamps going out and had no oil to sustain the light, and while they went to buy, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him.

To be like the wise is not simply to repeat words about favor or blessing, but to be prepared in heart for the Lord's coming. Wisdom in Scripture is practical and discerning. A wise heart discerns both time and judgment and knows that to every purpose there is a time. Wisdom strengthens the wise more than many strong men, and it teaches us to use what we have now for eternal benefit. We do not simply sit and wait. We live faithfully, abiding in Christ, keeping His commandments, walking with wise people who will help us grow, and building our lives and homes with care as one who builds a house with love and steadiness rather than tearing it down.

The oil is that living relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit, a life kept filled and ready through faith, obedience, prayer, and the Word. Without that, a lamp cannot keep burning. With it, you are ready whether the Lord comes soon or tarries.

I pray for you now that God will fill you afresh with His Spirit and keep your lamp burning brightly. I pray that He will give you wisdom to discern His timing and His will, and grace to walk in obedience day by day. I pray that He will grant you favor as He sees best, not for personal display but for His glory, and that any blessings and miracles He brings will draw you closer to Jesus and make you more like Him. I pray that the Lord will guard you from the powers of darkness and from every work of the enemy, for we do wrestle against spiritual forces, and that He will clothe you in Christ and cause you to stand in His strength. May your life reflect His glory in a way that points others to Him, and may He use you to win others to Christ, for he who wins souls is wise and shines as the stars.

May the Lord keep you watchful, faithful, and ready, with oil in your vessel, until you hear the call that the Bridegroom comes, and may you be found ready to go in with Him with joy. I ask this in the name of Jesus with thanksgiving.