Petitions bring to mind the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs that you face each day.PrayerĮach aspect of prayer is designed to remind you of your dependence on God: “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). Consider His acts in creation and in the circumstances of your life. One of the ways that we bring glory to God and cultivate our love for Him is by worshiping Him. Each of these activities is designed to deepen your intimate relationship with God. First works could refer to many “important efforts,” and here we will discuss several of them: worship, prayer, Bible study, giving, fasting, and service to others. Obviously, from the definition of work, this involves effort it is not something that happens without effort on your part or without grace on God’s part. In Revelation 2:5, the word first means “foremost (in time, place, order or importance),” and the word works is defined as “toil (as an effort or occupation).” In other words, if you find that you have left your first love for the Lord, get your priorities back in order and do the most important things. Understand the Purpose of Doing the “First Works” Receive God’s forgiveness, and renew your commitment to do the “first works” of your faith. Forsake the thoughts, attitudes, and actions that have drawn your attention away from wholehearted love for God. Repentance involves a change of mind, heart, and direction. If so, repent of your indifference toward God. Do you have a greater or weaker sense of your need for God now? Are you cooler toward God and less passionate about spiritual things than you once were? Recalling your salvation experience and your first love for the Lord can help you recognize changes that have developed in your relationship with God since then. Remember, Repent, and Do the “First Works” If you find yourself in this position, ask God to have mercy on you and to rekindle your love for Him. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Jesus said: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Jesus addressed this issue when He spoke to the church of Ephesus. When a believer does not depend on God to meet his daily needs, his love for God grows cold. Unfortunately, many Christians fall away from this first love. God’s Spirit witnesses with his spirit that he is a child of God (see Romans 8:16), and this newfound relationship brings great joy and freedom. When a person receives Christ as his Savior, he experiences the delight of “first love” for the Lord.
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