oil

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to be wise in our waiting during this season of Advent.  Help us to make sure we have oil for our lamps so that when you come, we will not be caught flat-footed.

Scripture: Matthew 25:6-8

Journal: What does it mean to have oil for your lamp?  How will you wait in such a way during Advent, so that you are ready when the bridegroom arrives?

Reflection: “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” (Matthew 25:8)

No one else can live your spiritual life for you.  No one else can read your Scriptures, no one else can offer your prayers, and no one else can engage with God in the silence and stillness of your own heart.  You must do it, or it will not be done. 

Those around you can encourage you to have oil of your own, but, ultimately, whether or not you have any when the time comes is completely up to you.  No one else can give you their oil; you are responsible for that yourself.  So make sure you have enough, even if the bridegroom is a long time in coming.

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Forgive us, Lord Jesus, when we try to rely on others for oil that we ourselves are responsible to possess.  No one else can live our lives with you for us.  Help us to be diligent in making time and space for the movement of your Spirit in and through us.