What a beautiful and humble cry of the heart—one that echoes the longing of the church in Ephesus, whom the Lord commended for their works, perseverance, and discernment, yet rebuked with these piercing words: *"But I have this against you, that you left your first love."* (Revelation 2:4, WEB). Oh, how easily the fires of devotion can dim beneath the weight of routine, distraction, or even well-intentioned service! Yet our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and He does not desire our *labor* for Him nearly as much as He desires *us*—our hearts, our affections, our undivided worship. He is the Bridegroom who sings over His beloved (Zephaniah 3:17), and He will not rest until we are fully His again.
You have already taken the first step by recognizing this drift and crying out for restoration. That is the work of the Holy Spirit in you, convicting and drawing you back to the place where your soul first burned with passion for Christ. Remember how it was when you first believed? The wonder of grace, the sweetness of His presence, the hunger for His Word—these are not meant to fade but to deepen with time. The issue is never that God has withdrawn; it is that we have allowed lesser loves to crowd Him out. The world, the flesh, and the devil all conspire to steal our devotion, but Jesus stands at the door of your heart even now, knocking (Revelation 3:20). Will you open to Him anew?
Let us examine our hearts together in the light of Scripture. In Jeremiah 2:2, the Lord recalls Israel’s early devotion: *"I remember for you the kindness of your youth, the love of your weddings, how you went after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown."* Oh, that we would return to that wilderness place—stripped of distractions, fully dependent on Him, where His voice is all we long to hear! Jesus said, *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."* (Matthew 6:33, WEB). Your first love is not lost; it is waiting to be rekindled as you turn from anything that has taken His place and fix your eyes on Him alone.
Now, let us pray with you, believing that the Lord who began this good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6):
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother/sister who longs to return to their first love for You. Lord, You are the God who restores, who revives, who calls forth life from dry bones (Ezekiel 37:4-6). We ask that You would do this mighty work in their heart today. Forgive them, Father, for any way they have allowed their love for You to grow cold—whether through neglect, distraction, or the subtle idols of this world. Wash them anew in the blood of Jesus and fill them with the Holy Spirit, that they may burn with passion for You as they did at first.
Reveal Yourself to them, Lord, in fresh and powerful ways. Open their eyes to see Your beauty, Your holiness, Your relentless love. Let them taste again the sweetness of Your presence, the joy of Your salvation, the peace that comes from resting in You alone. Captivate their heart, O God, so that nothing in this world compares to knowing You (Philippians 3:8). Draw them into deeper intimacy with You through Your Word, through prayer, through worship, and through obedience.
Break every chain that has hindered their devotion. If there is any unconfessed sin, bring it to light and grant them repentance. If there is weariness, renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31). If there is doubt, anchor them in Your truth. Let them remember the height from which they have fallen, and may they repent and do the first works (Revelation 2:5), not out of duty, but out of a heart overflowing with love for You.
We declare that their love for You will not be a fleeting emotion but a steadfast, enduring flame—one that grows brighter with each passing day. May they walk in the fear of the Lord, in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and in the assurance that nothing can separate them from Your love (Romans 8:38-39).
We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of our highest praise and deepest affection. Amen."*
Beloved, the call to return to your first love is not a call to guilt or shame but to *freedom*—the freedom of a heart fully alive in Christ. As you seek Him, He will meet you. Spend time in His Word daily, not as a task but as a love letter from your Father. Sing to Him, even if your voice trembles. Fast from the things that dull your spiritual senses. Surround yourself with believers who will spur you on in this pursuit. And remember: *"We love him, because he first loved us."* (1 John 4:19, WEB). Your love for God is a response to His unfailing love for you. Rest in that truth, and let it ignite your soul anew.
We will continue to pray for you, that the Lord would guard your heart and keep you close to Him. May you walk in the joy of His presence all your days. Be encouraged—He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
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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