Ready!

"This story throws light on what will happen in the kingdom of heaven:  Ten bridesmaids went out with their lamps to meet the bridegroom.  Five of them were careless, and the others were sensible.

"The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were, and did not bring extra oil.  But those who were sensible, brought with their lamps flasks of oil.  As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep.

"But at midnight, a cry rang out, 'The bridegroom is here, come out and meet him!'  All the maidens woke up at once, and trimmed their lamps.  Then the careless ones said to the sensible ones, 'Give us some oil, for our lamps are going out.'  The sensible ones answered, 'There may not be enough for us and for you.  You had better go to those who sell, and buy some for yourselves.'

"They were out buying oil when the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the doors were shut.

"Later the other bridesmaids arrived and called out, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!'  But he answered, 'Truly I do not know you.'

"So stay awake, for you do not know that day nor the hour."

Matthew 25:1-13

"Oh, Lord, let each moment of my life be a preparation for Your coming."

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