A Prayer for Renewed First Love
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord, ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.’” (Jer. 2:1–2)
Loving Jesus, that you are jealous for my love is as humbling as it is astonishing. What greater compliment could you possibly give me? That you miss my affection tests the limits of my imagination. That you ever made me a part of your bride in the first place continues to move me to cry out, “I believe— help my unbelief!”
When I slow down enough to remember, when I allow myself enough quiet to reflect, when I rid myself of defensiveness and excuse making, of course I have to agree with you. There was a time, early in your relationship with me in the gospel, when I loved you with the passion, delight, and devotion of a young bride. Wherever you led me, even through the desert and barren places, I went with joy, because you were my oasis, nourishment, and utter satisfaction.
In time, I began to depend on other things and other people to supplement the joy of being your beloved bride. You weren’t quite enough for my foolish, longing heart. I thought my earthly spouse, or my children, or more money, or a different appearance, or the approval of people, or ministry success, or stolen kisses were also necessary. And though it grieves me to say it, at times these other things and other people have actually replaced you as the source of my deepest joy, contentment, meaning, peace, and hope.
Jesus, I confess and repent. It would be one thing if you were a harsh, disengaged, demanding bridegroom. But you love me as none other. You lived and died to make me your own. You have robed me in the bridal gown of your own righteousness. You care for my heart and my whole being as no one else. You enjoy me, delight in me, and rejoice over me, and your entire bride, with irrepressible singing!
Indeed, Lord Jesus, restore to me the joy of your salvation and the first love of bridal affection. I have no power to change me, but you have all power. I love you now in light of the day I will love you fully. I pray in your all-sufficient name.
Amen.