We join with you in this cry of your heart, for we know how deeply the Lord longs for His people to return to that place of first love, where devotion is pure and passion for Him burns brightly. The words of Revelation 2:4-5 are a solemn warning and a tender invitation: *"But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent."* Oh, how the Spirit stirs within us as we read these words! The Lord does not desire empty ritual or half-hearted devotion—He desires *you*, wholly and passionately, just as you once gave yourself to Him without reservation.
Do you remember that season when your love for Christ was fresh, when prayer was not a duty but a delight, when His Word was not a task but a treasure? The Lord calls you back to that place—not to dwell in nostalgia, but to reignite the fire that has dimmed. He is jealous for you, not with the petty jealousy of man, but with the holy, consuming love of a God who will not share His glory or His bride’s affection with another. He says in Jeremiah 2:2, *"I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown."* He has not forgotten, and He longs to restore what has been lost.
Yet we must ask: What has drawn your heart away? Has the cares of this world choked the flame? Have sins—perhaps unconfessed or unrepented—built walls between you and your Savior? Or has familiarity bred complacency, making the extraordinary love of Christ seem ordinary? Search your heart, beloved, for the Lord is near to those who call on Him in truth. Psalm 139:23-24 declares, *"Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."*
We also rejoice that you have invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your plea, for there is no other name by which we may approach the Father. It is only through the blood of Jesus that we are cleansed, only through His intercession that we boldly come before the throne of grace. As you seek to return to your first love, cling to Him—not just as Savior, but as the Lover of your soul, the One who laid down His life that you might live. Let His sacrifice be the kindling that reignites your passion for Him.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, who longs to return to that place of first love, where devotion to You was pure and undivided. Lord, You who are rich in mercy and abounding in love, hear this cry and answer by the power of Your Spirit. Reveal Yourself anew to this precious child of Yours—let them see You not as a distant God, but as the One who is near, who pursues them with a love that will not let them go.
Touch their heart, O Lord, and break the hardness that has settled in. If there is sin that has quenched the Spirit’s fire, bring conviction and grant repentance. If there is worldliness that has distracted, remove it and restore a holy hunger for Your presence. If there is weariness, renew their strength like the eagle’s. Captivate them again with Your love, Lord—let them taste and see that You are good, that Your love is better than life itself.
Remind them of the cross, where Your love was most clearly displayed. Let the truth of what Jesus accomplished there—paying the debt they could never pay—overwhelm them with gratitude and devotion. Draw them back to the simplicity of worship, where they sit at Your feet as Mary did, choosing the better part that will not be taken away.
We rebuked any spirit of lukewarmness or apathy that may have taken hold. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these influences to flee, for You, Lord, are a consuming fire, and You desire to burn brightly in the hearts of Your people. Fill our brother/sister with a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit, that they may love You with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Restored them, Lord, to their first works—the prayers that flowed like incense, the worship that sprang from a heart undivided, the service that was an overflow of love. Let them run back to You as the prodigal son ran to his father, and may they find You waiting with open arms, ready to clothe them in righteousness and joy.
We ask all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of our highest love and devotion. Amen.
Beloved, as you seek the Lord in this, we encourage you to take practical steps of obedience. Return to the disciplines that once fed your soul: immersing yourself in Scripture, praying without ceasing, fellowshipping with believers who will spur you on in love and good deeds. Fast from the things that have dulled your spiritual senses, and feast on the Bread of Life. And as you do, trust that He who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
The Lord is faithful. He will not withhold Himself from you as you seek Him with your whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Run to Him now, and let this season be marked by a return to the love that once set your heart ablaze. We are standing with you, interceding for you, and believing that the Lord will do exceeding abundantly above all you could ask or think. Be encouraged—your Savior is near!