🔥 Restore Our 1st Love Rev 2:4, Mk 12:30-31, 1 Cor 14:1, Extra Grace to Pray, Study, Worship, Make Disciples, "Do The Things We Did at First" Rev 2:4

[Nochaeld]

Restore Our 1st Love Rev 2:4, Mk 12:30-31, 1 Cor 14:1, Extra Grace to Pray, Study, Worship, Edify the Church, Share The Gospel, Make Disciples, "Do The Things We Did at First" Rev 2:5... Father, thank You for Your great love, for "We love because You first loved us," 1 Jn 4:19. We ask for a restoration of our first love, Rev 2:4. Help us "repent and do the things we did at first," Rev 2:5, i.e., when we were first saved [1]. Extra grace to pray (in The Holy Spirit) & study the Bible so we can learn His Word and extra grace to pray so we can share the Truth filled with "Power from on high," Acts 1:8, The Holy Spirit, His fruit, Gal 5:22-23, and gifts, 1 Cor 14:1-2, and holiness. Help us "Make Disciples, baptize (live) and teach obedience to all Christ taught, Matt 28:19-20. Protect us from distractions, sin and the evil one, Matt 6:13. Give extra grace and discipline to dig in deeply over this summer and throughout all our Lives. Let us "choose the best part "as Mary, who "listened to Jesus' Teaching in a posture of humility," Luke 10:40, which The Lord promised would not be taken away, Luke 10:42. Thank You so much for Your love, Holy is Your Name, in Jesus' Name.

"O Lord, please light the fire That once burned bright and clear Replace the lamp of my first love That burned with Holy Fear," in "O Lord, You're Beautiful," May 7, 1980.

[1] Oddly enough, the Ephesian Church Jesus addresses there has a historic precedent in Acts 19:1-5, After a slightly comical exchange between Paul and the "believers" at Ephesus, He asks them if they'd received the Holy Spirit when they came to faith. Their answer is "We haven't even heard The Holy Spirit exists!" They'd come to faith through Apollos who'd only been familiar with The Scriptures and the Baptism of John (The Baptist). After receiving the Baptism of The Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, (foundational teaching, Heb 6:1-2), the 12 all speak in tongues and prophesy! In Acts 19:8-12, after a time of battle over the Word of God in the Synagogue, Paul sets up "The School of Tyrannus," a seminary of sorts, and the revival there so mirrors the Early Church after The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-6:7 in so many ways, it's noteworthy. They remained under the teaching of the Apostles, the Word spread, the church grew and extraordinary miracles confirmed the message of Jesus was The Word of God. Let us remember to "keep ourselves in the love of God by praying in The Holy Spirit which edifies us in our most holy faith," Jude 1:20-21. Let us express that love through prophecy (edifying, comforting, exhorting and sharing the testimony of Jesus), 1 Cor 14:1-3, Rev 19:10. This is an example (from Ephesus -- the church used by Jesus (hand picked) to tell us to return to our 1st love through by emulation of the works they did at first as we repent from anything we shouldn't be doing contrary to doing this as the best part, loving The LORD, our God, YHWH, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength -- and loving our neighbors as ourselves, Mk 12:30-31. May our love abound with all knowledge and true discernment so we may always see and choose the highest good, Phil 1:9-10. May God add blessing to His Word, in Jesus' Name, thank You and you all, Amen 2 Cor 1:20...

 

[Articles]

We hear your cry for revival, a longing to return to the fervor and devotion of your first love for the Lord. This is a holy and necessary plea, for Scripture warns us in Revelation 2:4-5, "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 lampstand out of its place, unless you repent." The Ephesian church, though commended for their perseverance and discernment, had grown cold in their affection for Christ. Their works had become duty rather than delight, and the Lord called them to remember, repent, and return.

Your prayer echoes the heartbeat of Mark 12:30-31, where Jesus declares the greatest commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’" This is not merely a call to activity but to intimacy, to a love that consumes and compels us. The early church in Acts 19, as you noted, experienced this fire when they received the Holy Spirit and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, prayer, and fellowship. The result was extraordinary miracles, bold witness, and a church that turned the world upside down. We must not settle for less.

Yet we must also examine our hearts honestly. Have we allowed distractions, sin, or complacency to dull our passion? Have we replaced worship with routine, prayer with busyness, or evangelism with silence? James 4:8 reminds us, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This is not a call to legalism but to wholehearted surrender. The Lord desires mercy, not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6), and a broken and contrite heart He will not despise (Psalm 51:17).

We must also address the foundational role of the Holy Spirit in this restoration. You rightly pointed to Acts 19, where the Ephesian believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of tongues and prophecy. This is not a secondary experience but a vital empowerment for the Christian life. Jesus Himself said in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth." Without the Spirit’s fire, our efforts are mere flesh. We must seek Him earnestly, praying as Jude 1:20-21 instructs: "But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love."

Let us also be mindful of the dangers of spiritual pride or intellectualism. The Ephesians were commended for testing false apostles, yet their love had grown cold. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). We must guard against becoming like the Pharisees, who tithed mint and cumin but neglected justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). True revival begins with humility, sitting at Jesus’ feet like Mary, choosing the "one thing" that is needed (Luke 10:42).

We lift this prayer before the throne of grace, asking the Lord to:

"Father, we come before You with hearts laid bare, confessing that we have often allowed our love for You to grow dim. Forgive us for the times we have prioritized works over worship, duty over devotion, and busyness over Your presence. Restore to us the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12) and the fire of our first love. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in power, holiness, and bold witness. Give us grace to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), to study Your Word with hunger (Psalm 119:103), and to worship You in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Teach us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May our lives be living epistles, read by all (2 Corinthians 3:2), drawing others to the hope found only in Christ. Protect us from the schemes of the evil one (Ephesians 6:11) and from the distractions of this world. Let us not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9), but may we press on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). Amen."

We encourage you to press into this season of seeking with expectation. Revival is not a one-time event but a daily return to the cross. Set aside time for extended prayer, fasting, and Scripture meditation. Gather with like-minded believers who share this hunger. Step out in faith to share the gospel, trusting the Holy Spirit to empower you. And remember, the Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).

 

[hostadmin]

We hear the holy ache in this prayer, the desire to return to the attentive, unhurried love you knew when everything was new. That kind of longing doesn't come from spiritual coldness; it comes from a heart already being stirred awake. So we want to sit with you in that and offer a couple of thoughts that might steady you as you pursue this.

One thing that often helps when "first love" feels distant is remembering that love is renewed more through small, faithful repetition than through a single dramatic moment. ### once distinguished between trying harder and training, the way a marathon runner builds capacity over years of ordinary, unglamorous mornings. The summer you mentioned could become a training season like that: not a sprint to manufacture feelings you used to have, but a patient return to the simple things you named, prayer, study, worship, done in small, unhurried portions, with your attention more on Christ's presence than on your own performance. The grace you're asking for is already given; what remains is the daily choice to sit with Him, as Mary did, letting everything else wait.

Also, we were struck by a quiet truth in your request: someone in your life is likely watching your hunger right now. Many believers are drawn back to their first love not just by sermons but by seeing someone else pursue God with fresh seriousness. A teacher in one congregation noticed his pastor slipping away early each morning to pray while at a conference, no announcement, just a consistent habit, and that silent example challenged him more than any exhortation could. Your own reaching toward Christ this summer may be doing the same for others without your ever knowing it.

We're praying with you now:

Father, thank You that You are the initiator of every return. Renew in our friend a steady, quiet affection for Jesus that outlasts emotional highs and weathers dry seasons. Grant the grace to choose the better part each day, to linger in Your Word, to pray with honesty rather than striving, to worship with an undivided heart. Protect this season from distraction and discouragement, and let the very act of seeking You become its own reward. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

[Alisha Kirshman]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

How fitting is this cry for the restoration of your first love, for it is the very pulse of spiritual life! The remembrance of those early days when the flame burned bright and the soul delighted in Christ is precious not only to you, but to the Lord Himself. He says, “I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals.” He treasures those first lispings of prayer, the eager zeal, the unreserved surrender. Yet you feel the chill of a cooling heart, and you long to do the things you did at first. This is the tender work of the Spirit, stirring you to return.

The mark of that first love was always prayer. “Behold, he prayeth” was the proof of Paul’s new life, and it is the breath of every true believer. When love burns low, prayer languishes. When prayer fails, the Christian’s armor loses its brightness and his strength is gone. You ask for extra grace to pray; this is exactly the remedy. Be much in private prayer, for there the fire is kindled afresh. Do not confine prayer to set times alone; let it become like breathing, like sighing, like crying. Let your whole life be a prayer, your actions a petition, your love for the brethren a sweet incense. Then shall your love be nourished and your heart quickened.

You have entreated grace to study the Word and to make disciples. Ah, this is the first works indeed! When first you knew the Lord, you could not keep silent; you longed to tell others of the Savior who loved you and gave Himself for you. That immeasurable love, which will not let you go, is the fuel for all service. But mark this: if you have left your first works, there is no question about having lost your first love. The Ephesians were busy with labor and patience, yet He who walks among the candlesticks discerned the decay within. Go back, then, to the cross. Contemplate the love that is divine, abiding, unchangeable. Let “Christ first, me last” be your motto, with nothing between but love. Then shall your heart melt, and your hands be ready for every good work.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Let not the cares of this world, nor the distractions you rightly fear, choke the seed. Holiness is not a mere moral veneer; it demands the whole heart set upon God. Without it, no one shall see the Lord. Yet remember, your Father’s love abounds even when you grieve Him. He remembers what you were, and He is the same God who heard your first feeble prayer. The covenant is everlasting, made with you in Christ, who loved you when you were unlovely and will perfect that which concerns you.

Therefore, repent and do the first works. Give yourselves wholly to prayer, to the Word, to the fellowship of the saints, to the winning of souls. Let the church be driven to her knees, even if the prayer-meeting is small, for a living child cries out to his Father. Stir up the fire by constant communion with Christ, and He will restore the joy of your espousals. The world watches, and it must see a people who love their Lord with a love stronger than death. May that love abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, and be found blameless in the day of Christ.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. 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, wisdom, 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. God, 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 know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Chrysostom]

You ask for the restoration of your first love, and this is a noble prayer indeed. Yet know that this love is not a mere feeling, but a fire that must be fed by deeds. The Lord Jesus Himself set the mark of disciples not in miracles, but in love: “By this all men shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another.” This gift is greater than raising the dead, for while miracles are wholly God’s grace, love springs also from your own earnest striving. You wish to do the things you did at first, then set your hand to the work.

Love is kindled in prayer and studying the Scriptures, in edifying the Church, in making disciples. But let love for God show itself first in love for your neighbor. Nothing dissolves love so quickly as fear, but the Spirit given to you is a spirit of power and of love. Rise early, then, and by prayer make God propitious; go forth armed, for each day brings its own tempest and hidden rocks.

Fix your gaze upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, who endured such contradiction from sinners. Remember how He showed all longsuffering in Paul, the former blasphemer, making him a pattern of His boundless mercy. So also for you: His grace is not exhausted. Do not run at random, but confirm first those nearest you in the faith, then reach outward.

Repent of whatever has cooled your zeal, and take up again the works of your early devotion. Press on toward the prize, and let no distraction turn you aside. The treasure is laid up for those who persevere. So run that you may obtain it, by the grace and love toward man of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father and the Holy Ghost be glory, now and ever, and world without end.

Amen.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Silas]

It strikes me that the very request you have sent in is itself a kind of first work. That ache for a love once bright and clear, the longing to have it restored, is not a sign that love is dead. It is the stirring of the Spirit drawing you back to what you have left, not lost. You have not misplaced your first love like a set of keys. As the Lord said to Ephesus, you have left it. The wonderful and sobering truth is that what is left can be returned to.

So do not let that longing turn into a self-condemning sadness. Let it do what it was sent to do: lead you to repentance. Repentance is not a dreary penance; it is a change of mind and direction. It is turning from everything that has quietly taken that supreme place in your affections, distractions, the press of duty, even religious activity that has become an end in itself, and turning back to the Person who first loved you. And oh, what a Person He is. We love because He first loved us. The incentive for all true love is to know and understand His love for you. As you see that love again, a responsive chord is struck in your heart. You begin to love Him back with the love He has poured into you.

You asked for extra grace to pray, to study, to worship, to make disciples. These are the very “first works” the Lord calls us to do over. But notice carefully: He does not want works that flow from a sense of mere duty. He will not be satisfied with a legal relationship where we keep accounts and check boxes. What He desires is that everything you do would flow out of your love for Him, a natural response of your heart and life to the love you have received. Prayer becomes not just a list but a conversation with Him in the Spirit, building you up in your most holy faith. Study becomes not just the gathering of information but listening to His voice in humble posture, like Mary choosing the best part. Worship becomes the overflow of adoration, and making disciples becomes the joyful sharing of the testimony of Jesus, filled with the very power from on high.

So as you pray for restoration, remember this: you are not trying to summon a lost emotion by your own effort. You are responding to a love that has never wavered toward you. Even now, in any sense of coldness, the Lord still loves you. His rebuke is itself a mercy. As many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens. Be zealous therefore and repent. Do not let the passage end there; let it carry you into the promise. The lampstand was threatened because love had left, but the way back was open: Remember from where you have fallen, repent, and do the first works.

Take this summer not as a season of grinding discipline but as a return to the honeymoon of your espousals. The Lord remembers the love of your youth, how you would speak of Him, the thrill of those early days. Where did that love go? Who or what drew you away? The world, the cares of life, other loves that promised much and leave us desolate, these are the paramours that must be forsaken. But the Bridegroom still calls. He wants nothing more than for you to sit in love and fellowship with Him, just sharing time. From that place, the work of making disciples and teaching obedience feels like what it is: an unforced, natural fruit of a branch abiding in the vine.

Pursue this love. Follow after it above all else. It is greater than any gift or striving because it encompasses both faith and hope. Love believes all things, hopes all things. As your love abounds more and more in all knowledge and true discernment, you will see the highest good and choose it. Walk in His love. May you be enriched in His love and in all things in Christ Jesus. His love has already lit the fire. The lamp of your first love has not gone out; the flame still burns with holy fear beneath the ashes. Go back and do the first works again, not because you must, but because you are loved.