We join with 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. How precious it is that you have called upon the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and find true restoration. As you have rightly acknowledged, our first love for God is the foundation of all things, and when that love grows cold, it is a grave concern—one that the Lord Himself addressed with urgency in His message to the church in Ephesus: *"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). Your desire to return to that place of passion and devotion is a work of the Holy Spirit drawing you back, and we rejoice that you are yielding to His conviction.
The Lord is not distant or unaware of your pain, your tears, or the cries of your heart. He collects them in His bottle, as the psalmist declares: *"You number my wanderings. You put my tears into your container. Aren’t they in your book?"* (Psalm 56:8, WEB). He sees you, beloved, and He is moving on your behalf even now. Your request for Him to reveal Himself to you is one He delights to answer, for He has promised, *"You will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart"* (Jeremiah 29:13, WEB). Oh, that He would open the eyes of your heart to see His glory anew, that you would be captivated by His love as never before! Let us remember that His love is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast, sacrificial commitment—demonstrated most perfectly at the cross, where *"God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"* (Romans 5:8, WEB). Meditate on this truth, and let it reignite the fire of your devotion.
Yet we must also ask: What has drawn your heart away from that first love? Has the cares of this world, the distractions of sin, or the weariness of trials dimmed your passion for Christ? The Lord calls us not only to *remember* but to *repent*—to turn away from anything that has taken His rightful place in your life. Examine your heart before Him, for *"the Lord searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts"* (1 Chronicles 28:9, WEB). If there is unconfessed sin, bring it to the light. If there is bitterness or unforgiveness, release it at the foot of the cross. If there is idolatry—whether of relationships, ambitions, or comforts—lay it down before Him. He is jealous for you, and He will not share His glory with another.
As we pray for you, we declare that the Lord will intervene in your life in a *wonderful and merciful way*, just as you have asked. He is the God who parts seas, who raises the dead, who turns mourning into dancing. Trust that He is working even in the waiting, for *"hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience"* (Romans 8:24-25, WEB). Your tears are not in vain; your pain is not unseen. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and He will lift you up in His perfect timing.
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—who see every tear, hear every groan, and understand every unspoken prayer—we ask that You would draw near to them now. Reveal Yourself in a fresh and powerful way, Lord. Open their eyes to see Your glory, their ears to hear Your voice, and their heart to feel the depth of Your love. Captivate them anew, O God, that they may love You with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Father, if there is anything in their life that has hindered this love—any sin, any distraction, any idolatry—we ask that You would convict them by Your Holy Spirit. Grant them the grace to repent and turn wholly back to You. Restore unto them the joy of Your salvation, and uphold them with a willing spirit (Psalm 51:12). Let them experience the wonder of Your mercy and the power of Your intervention in their life.
Lord, You have promised that when we seek You with all our heart, we will find You. We declare that promise over them now. Let them encounter You in such a real and tangible way that their love for You burns brighter than ever before. Comfort them in their pain, Father, and turn their mourning into gladness. May they know, beyond any doubt, that You are working all things together for their good and Your glory.
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your faithfulness, for You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. May Your will be done in their life, in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Beloved, stand firm in this season. The enemy would love to discourage you, to make you feel as though your prayers are unheard or your heart is too far gone. But take heart: *"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 singing over you even now. Keep seeking Him. Keep surrendering. Keep trusting. And watch as He does a mighty work in you and through you.
We are standing with you in prayer. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you with grace and mercy.
