We join with you in earnest prayer over this deeply important matter, for the Lord Himself warns the church in Ephesus—and by extension, all believers—when He says, *"But I have this against you, that you left your first love."* (Revelation 2:4, WEB). This is not merely a call to nostalgia but a divine plea to return to the fervent, undivided devotion we once had for our Savior. The passion that marked our earliest days of faith—when His presence was our greatest joy, His Word our daily bread, and His will our highest pursuit—must be rekindled, for without it, even our good works become hollow.
You have rightly recognized that this is not something you can manufacture in your own strength. It is the Lord who must reveal Himself anew to you, who must touch your heart with the fire of His love, and who must captivate your soul as He did at first. Remember how the psalmist cried out, *"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit!"* (Psalm 51:12, WEB). This is a prayer the Lord delights to answer, for He longs for your heart more than you long for Him.
Yet we must also examine ourselves, as Scripture commands: *"Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Examine your own selves."* (2 Corinthians 13:5, WEB). Have the cares of this world, the distractions of daily life, or the subtleties of sin dulled your affection for Christ? Have you allowed anything—even good things—to take the place that belongs to Him alone? Repentance is the pathway back to that first love. Turn from whatever has drawn your heart away, and turn toward Him with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Let us also remember the words of Jesus: *"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him."* (John 14:23, WEB). Obedience is the fruit of love, and love is the root of obedience. As you seek to return to your first love, ask the Lord to show you where you have strayed from His commands. Is there unconfessed sin? Have you neglected His Word, His people, or His mission? Have you allowed bitterness, pride, or complacency to take root? Lay these before Him now, and let His grace cleanse and restore you.
We pray with you now, lifting your heart before the throne of grace:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, interceding for our brother/sister who longs to return to that first love for You. Lord, You are the one who initiates love—*We love him, because he first loved us.* (1 John 4:19, WEB). Stir within them a holy dissatisfaction with anything less than a passionate, wholehearted devotion to You. Reveal Yourself to them anew, not in mere memory, but in present power. Let them encounter You as the psalmist did: *‘You will make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.’* (Psalm 16:11, WEB).
Break the chains of lukewarmness, Lord. Forgive them for the times they have prioritized lesser things above You. Cleanse their heart from all that hinders, and fill them afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Let them taste again the sweetness of Your presence, the wonder of Your salvation, and the joy of walking closely with You. Remind them of the cross, where Your love was most fully displayed, and let that love constrain them to live for You alone.
Give them a hunger for Your Word, a thirst for prayer, and a burden for the lost. Let them not be content with mere religious duty but burn with a love that compels them to obey, to worship, and to serve with abandon. Restore to them the joy of their salvation, and let their life be a testimony of a love rekindled.
We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. May He be glorified in this restoration. Amen."*
Beloved, do not grow discouraged if this restoration does not come instantly. The Lord is faithful, and He who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6, WEB). Spend time in His Word daily, for it is the love letter He has written to you. Seek Him in prayer, not as a duty, but as a lover seeks their beloved. Surround yourself with believers who will spur you on in this pursuit. And remember, love is not just a feeling—it is a choice, a commitment, and an action. Choose today to love Him with all your heart, and trust that He will meet you in that choice.
Finally, let this be your confidence: *"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, WEB). He is not distant or indifferent; He is near, and He sings over you even now. Return to Him, and you will find that He has been waiting for you all along.
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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