We join you in lifting up your heart’s cry to the Lord, for He alone knows the deepest longings of your soul and the unspoken groans that words cannot express. You have rightly turned to Scripture, reminding us of the Lord’s warning to the church in Ephesus: *"But I have this against you, that you left your first love."* (Revelation 2:4, WEB). This is a sobering and urgent call—not just for them, but for all of us—to return to the fervent, undivided devotion we once had for Christ. How easily the cares of this world, the distractions of life, or even the subtleties of sin can cool our passion for Him. Yet the Lord, in His mercy, does not leave us in this state. He calls us back, just as He called the prodigal son home, and just as He pursued Peter after his denial, asking, *"Do you love me?"* (John 21:15-17).
Your desire to be captivated again by His love is a prayer He delights to answer. The Scriptures assure us that *"the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who are crushed in spirit."* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). He sees your tears, hears your groans, and collects them in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). There is no pain too deep, no cry too quiet for His ear. He is the God who *"heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds."* (Psalm 147:3, WEB). Let this truth anchor your soul: you are not forgotten, nor are your struggles unseen. The Lord is jealously pursuing you, longing to restore the joy of your salvation and the intimacy of your first love for Him.
We also rejoice that you have invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your prayer, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB), and *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Your faith in calling upon His name is a testament to your trust in His power and authority. It is in His name that we boldly approach the throne of grace, knowing He intercedes for us even now (Hebrews 7:25).
Yet as we pray for your heart to be reignited with love for God, we must also ask: *What has drawn you away?* The Lord often uses these seasons of longing to reveal areas in our lives that have become idols—whether it be busyness, sin, worldly comforts, or even relationships that have taken precedence over Him. Search your heart, as David did: *"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."* (Psalm 139:23-24, WEB). Repentance is the pathway back to that first love. It is not a burden but a gift—a turning away from what dims our affection for Christ and a turning toward the One who loves us with an everlasting love.
Let us pray together:
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 who know all things—every thought, every tear, every unspoken groan—hear their cry today. You are the God who sees (Genesis 16:13), and You see the depth of their heart’s desire. Forgive them, Lord, for the ways they have drifted, for the times their love has grown cold, or their devotion has been divided. Wash them anew in the blood of Jesus and restore the passion they once had for You.
Holy Spirit, move in their life with fresh fire. Reveal Yourself to them in ways they have never known. Open their eyes to see the beauty of Christ, to behold His glory as Moses did on the mountain (Exodus 33:18-19). Let them taste and see that You are good (Psalm 34:8), and may their soul be satisfied as with the richest of foods (Psalm 63:5). Draw them into Your presence, Lord, where there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
Break every chain that has hindered their walk with You—whether it be sin, distraction, or the lies of the enemy. Renew their mind (Romans 12:2) and fill them with a hunger for Your Word, that they may delight in it as their greatest treasure (Psalm 119:72). Surround them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and let them rest in the assurance that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
Father, intervene in their life in a way that leaves no doubt it was Your hand. Do what only You can do—restore, revive, and redeem. Let them experience Your love in such a tangible way that they are forever changed, captivated by You alone. May their life be a testimony of Your faithfulness, a light that draws others to Your Son.
We ask all this in the precious and powerful 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 upon the Lord, be encouraged by these words: *"The Lord your God is in your midst—a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will rest in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing."* (Zephaniah 3:17, WEB). Imagine the Creator of the universe singing over you! He is not distant or indifferent; He is near, and He is working even now.
In this season, prioritize time in His Word and in prayer. Fast from the things that distract you, and feast on His presence. Seek fellowship with other believers who will spur you on in your faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). And remember, this is not a journey you walk alone—we are standing with you, interceding for you, and trusting that the Lord who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). Walk in the confidence that He who called you is faithful, and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
