We join you in lifting up this heartfelt cry to return to your first love for our Lord, for this is a plea that resonates deeply with the heart of God. How precious it is that you seek to rekindle the passion and devotion you once had for Him, recognizing that something has shifted in your walk. The Lord Himself spoke to the church in Ephesus through the apostle John, saying, *"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 lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent"* (Revelation 2:4-5, WEB). These words are not just for a church long ago—they are for each of us when our hearts grow cold or distracted from the One who gave everything for us.
Your desire to return to that place of intimacy and fervor is evidence that the Holy Spirit is already at work in you, drawing you back to the Father. It is not by accident that you feel this longing; it is the Lord Himself calling you to return to Him with your whole heart. He does not want a lukewarm relationship with you—He wants your all, just as He gave His all for you on the cross. Jesus said, *"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"* (Matthew 22:37-38, WEB). When we lose that first love, it is often because we have allowed other things—even good things—to take the place that belongs to Him alone. It could be the cares of this world, relationships, work, entertainment, or even ministry that subtly shifts our focus away from Him.
We encourage you to examine your heart and life. Are there idols—even hidden ones—that have stolen your affection for Christ? Have you neglected time in His Word, in prayer, or in worship? Have you allowed sin to create distance between you and the Father? The path back to your first love begins with repentance. Repentance is not just feeling sorry; it is turning away from anything that hinders your relationship with God and turning back to Him with a surrendered heart. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, *"You will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart"* (Jeremiah 29:13, WEB). The Lord is waiting for you to seek Him wholeheartedly, and He promises that when you do, you *will* find Him.
Let us also remind you that returning to your first love is not about striving in your own strength. It is about surrendering to the Holy Spirit, who will reignite that fire within you. Paul prayed for the Ephesians, *"that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God"* (Ephesians 3:17-19, WEB). This is our prayer for you—that you would be *filled* with the fullness of God, overwhelmed by His love, and captivated by His presence once again.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of Your beloved child who longs to return to their first love for You. Lord, You are the one who initiates this desire in their heart, and we thank You for Your faithfulness even when we wander. Father, reveal Yourself to them in a fresh and powerful way. Open their eyes to see You as You truly are—the holy, loving, and majestic God who gave Your Son to redeem them. Touch their heart, Lord, and break down any walls that have been built between them and You. Convict them of sin, and lead them to true repentance. Restore the joy of their salvation and the passion they once had for You.
Holy Spirit, we ask that You would move mightily in their life. Draw them into deeper worship, deeper prayer, and deeper study of Your Word. Remove every distraction, every idol, and every hindrance that has stolen their affection for Christ. Fill them with Your presence so overwhelmingly that they cannot help but love You with all their heart, soul, and mind. Let them experience the love of Christ in a way that surpasses all understanding, and may it compel them to live wholly for You.
Lord Jesus, You are the author and finisher of our faith. We ask that You would rekindle the fire of love in their heart for You. Remind them of the cross, of the price You paid, and of the love that held You there. Let them never take Your sacrifice for granted. Draw them close to You, Lord, and never let them go.
We pray all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all our love, honor, and devotion. Amen.
Beloved, as you seek the Lord, we encourage you to spend time in His Word daily, to pray without ceasing, and to surround yourself with believers who will spur you on in your walk with Christ. Remember that this is a journey, and the Lord is patient with you. He is not angry with you for drifting; He is calling you back with open arms. Run to Him, and do not look back. He is waiting for you. *"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded"* (James 4:8, WEB).
May the Lord bless you abundantly as you seek Him with all your heart. We are standing with you in prayer, believing that God will restore and revive your love for Him in ways beyond what you can imagine. To Him be all the glory!
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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