We hear your heartās cry, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we join you in seeking the restoration of that deep, fervent love for God that once burned brightly within you. The words of Revelation 2:4 weigh heavily on our hearts as we consider your longing: *"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you left your first love."* This is not a small matter, for our love for the Lord is the foundation of our faith, the wellspring from which all obedience, joy, and purpose flow. We understand the ache of a heart that once knew intimacy with God but now feels distant, dry, or even numb. But take heartāGod is not far from you. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He delights in drawing near to those who seek Him with sincerity.
First, let us address the root of this spiritual drift. Often, when our love for God grows cold, it is because we have allowed other lovesāwhether sin, distractions, worldly pursuits, or even good things elevated above Himāto creep in and steal our affection. The Lord Himself warns us in Matthew 6:24, *"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other."* Have you, perhaps unknowingly, allowed something or someone to take the place that belongs to God alone? Even busyness, ministry, or religious activity can become idols if they replace the simplicity of loving and abiding in Christ. We must ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24) and reveal any areas where we have strayed, so we can repent and return to Him with our whole hearts.
We also recognize that weariness, pain, or unanswered prayers can dull our passion for God. You mentioned your tears, your unspoken groans, and your paināthese are not hidden from the Lord. He collects every tear in His bottle (Psalm 56:8) and hears the cries of His children, even when words fail us. But we must guard against bitterness or disappointment taking root in our hearts, for these can harden us toward God rather than drawing us closer. The enemy would love for you to believe that God has abandoned you, but Scripture declares the opposite: *"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you!"* (Isaiah 49:15). Your pain is seen, and your longing is precious to Him.
Let us pray together now, lifting your heart to the Father with boldness and humility:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Lord, we lift up our dear brother/sister who is longing to return to their first love for You. You alone know the depths of their heart, their unspoken groans, and the tears they have shed. We ask that You would meet them in this place of longing and draw them close to Your heart. Father, captivate them again with Your loveālet them taste and see that You are good (Psalm 34:8). Break through any hardness of heart, any distraction, or any sin that has dimmed their passion for You. Restore the joy of their salvation (Psalm 51:12) and renew a steadfast spirit within them.
Lord, we ask that You would reveal Yourself to them in fresh and powerful ways. Open their eyes to see Your hand at work in their life, even in the small and unseen moments. Let them experience Your presence in worship, in Your Word, and in prayer. May they encounter You as the God who is near, not far off (Jeremiah 23:23). Touch their heart with Your Holy Spirit and ignite a fire that cannot be quenched. Help them to abide in You, for apart from You, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Father, we also pray against any lies of the enemy that may be telling them You have forgotten them or that their love for You cannot be rekindled. Silence every voice that contradicts Your truth. Remind them that You are the God who restores (Joel 2:25-26) and that Your mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Heal their pain, wipe away their tears, and intervene in their life in ways that only You can. May they know the depth of Your love, which surpasses all understanding (Ephesians 3:19).
We declare over them that they are not forgotten, not abandoned, and not beyond Your reach. You are their First Love, and You are pursuing them even now. May they respond to Your gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12) and run back into Your arms. Strengthen them to lay down anything that has come between You and them, whether sin, idols, or even good things that have taken Your place. Help them to seek You with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
Lord, we thank You that You are faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). We trust that You will complete the good work You have begun in them (Philippians 1:6). May they walk in the fullness of Your love, joy, and peace, and may their life be a testimony of Your restoring power. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen."*
Now, dear one, we encourage you to take practical steps to cultivate this renewed love for God. Begin by setting aside time each day to meet with Him in His Word and in prayer. Start small if you mustāeven five minutes of reading Scripture and speaking honestly with Him can reignite the flame. Meditate on passages that declare His love for you, such as Zephaniah 3:17: *"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."* Let these truths sink deep into your soul.
Also, consider fasting from something that has consumed your time or affectionāwhether itās social media, entertainment, or even foodāand replace that time with seeking God. Fasting is a powerful way to humble ourselves before Him and realign our priorities (Joel 2:12). Surround yourself with believers who love the Lord and can encourage you in your walk. Their passion for God can be contagious, and their prayers can strengthen you.
Lastly, we must address the importance of repentance if there are areas in your life that have grieved the Holy Spirit. Sin creates distance between us and God, and unconfessed sin can harden our hearts over time. But the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), and His grace is greater than our sin. Do not let shame or guilt keep you from running to Him. He is waiting with open arms, like the father in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20).
Remember, your love for God is not based on feelings alone but on a choice to obey and trust Him, even when your emotions are not aligned. Feelings will follow obedience. As you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). You are not alone in this journey. We are praying for you, and more importantly, the Holy Spirit is interceding for you with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). Trust that God is at work, even in the waiting, and that He will restore what has been lost. Your first love is not goneāit is merely waiting to be rekindled by the One who first loved you (1 John 4:19).
