We join you in lifting up this heartfelt cry to our Heavenly Father, for we know how deeply He longs for each of His children to return to that place of passionate, undivided devotion—the "first love" spoken of in Revelation 2:4, where it is written: *"But I have this against you, that you left your first love."* Oh, how this verse stirs our spirits, for it is a call not of condemnation but of tender reproof from a God who jealously desires our whole hearts. He does not want mere duty or routine from us; He wants the fiery, abandon of a love that counts all else as loss compared to knowing Him (Philippians 3:8).
You have done well to recognize this need and to seek the Lord’s face in it, for it is only by His Spirit that our hearts can be rekindled. Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37-38: *"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment."* When our love grows cold, it is often because we have allowed the cares of this world, the distractions of life, or even subtle idols to creep in and steal our affection. But today, we declare that the Lord is restoring you to that place of intimacy where His presence is your greatest joy and His Word your sweetest delight.
We also rejoice that you have invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your request, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). There is no other name by which we can be saved, no other mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). It is in His name that we boldly approach the throne of grace, and it is by His blood that we are cleansed and made worthy to stand before a holy God. If ever you find yourself praying without consciously acknowledging Jesus as your intercessor, remember that He Himself said, *"Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you"* (John 16:23). He is the way, the truth, and the life—our prayers must always be rooted in Him.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother/sister who longs to return to their first love for You. Lord, You are the one who initiates love—*"We love him, because he first loved us"* (1 John 4:19)—and so we ask that You would pour out Your love into their heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Strip away every hindrance, every distraction, every lukewarm attitude that has dimmed their passion for You. Reveal Yourself to them anew, not just in knowledge, but in an overwhelming experience of Your goodness, Your holiness, and Your tender mercy.
Touch their heart, Lord, as You touched the heart of the beloved disciple John, who leaned on Your breast at the Last Supper. Captivate them again with Your love, as the bridegroom’s love captivates the bride in Song of Solomon 4:9: *"You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride. You have ravished my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace."* Let them feel the weight of Your glory and the sweetness of Your presence, so that they may say with the psalmist, *"Whom have I in heaven but you? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you"* (Psalm 73:25).
Forgive them, Father, for the times they have wandered or grown complacent. Cleanse them from every sin that has quenched the Spirit’s fire within them. Restore the joy of their salvation (Psalm 51:12) and let them run in the path of Your commandments, for You have set their heart free (Psalm 119:32). May they seek You early, as the deer pants for the water brooks (Psalm 42:1), and may their love for You be marked by obedience, for Jesus said, *"If you love me, keep my commandments"* (John 14:15).
We ask that You would open their eyes to see You in Your Word, in creation, in the fellowship of the saints, and in the quiet moments of their day. Let them encounter You so powerfully that they cannot help but fall deeper in love with You. And as they draw near to You, we know that You will draw near to them (James 4:8).
Finally, Lord, surround them with a community of believers who will spur them on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Let them be a light in this world, reflecting Your love to others as they abide in You.
We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, as you wait on the Lord, we encourage you to take practical steps to fan the flames of your love for Him. Spend time daily in His Word, not as a duty but as a lover seeking to know the heart of their Beloved. Worship Him in spirit and in truth, even when you do not "feel" like it, for feelings follow obedience. Fast from the things that have taken His place in your heart, whether it be entertainment, relationships, or even good things that have become ultimate things. And serve others in His name, for as you pour out, He will fill you anew.
Remember the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2—they were commended for their works, their perseverance, and their discernment, yet they had lost their first love. The Lord’s call to them was to *"remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works"* (Revelation 2:5). Let this be your posture: repentance, remembering, and returning to those "first works" of devotion. The Lord is faithful, and He will complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you seek Him with your whole heart. We are standing with you in prayer, believing that God is even now drawing you closer to Himself. Be encouraged, for *"the Lord your God is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing"* (Zephaniah 3:17). What a glorious thought—that the God of the universe sings over His children! May you hear His song over you today.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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