“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Responding to His Call
When we feel the tug at our hearts, it is important to recognize that it is our Father calling us to come to Him. Coming to the altar signifies our willingness to respond to His invitation. This moment can be filled with healing, grace, and renewal. It is a space where we can lay down our burdens and receive the love and wisdom that are waiting for us. By stepping forward, we are saying yes to the relationship He offers, acknowledging our need for Him in our lives and seeking transformation through His power.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Jeremiah 29:12-13
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:12-13
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Seeking Forgiveness
When we come to the altar, we often carry heavy hearts filled with regret or guilt. This is a precious opportunity for us to ask for forgiveness and to embrace the healing that comes through Christ. The altar serves as a sacred space where we can confess our shortcomings and shortcomings to God, leaving our sins behind. The act of seeking forgiveness at the altar reminds us of the unconditional love and mercy that God extends to us. We find comfort in knowing that He is ready and willing to wash away our sins and restore our spirits.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Offering Our Lives
Coming to the altar is not solely about asking for forgiveness; it is also about offering ourselves to God. We are called to surrender our lives to His will, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices. This profound commitment brings us closer to God and deepens our relationship with Him. Each time we step forward, we are publicly declaring our faith and inviting His guidance, direction, and purpose into our lives. It is a moment of vulnerability and trust, where we acknowledge that God knows what is best for us.
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” – Luke 9:23
Mark 12:30
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30
Philippians 2:13
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Connection with God
The altar is a special place where we can develop our connection with God. When we come to this sacred space, we are filled with His presence and love. It is within this connection that we find peace, guidance, and strength to face life’s challenges. Taking the time to come to the altar allows us to express our love for God, our gratitude, and our desire to grow in faith. Sharing this moment with Him deepens our understanding of His goodness and our relationship with Him strengthens.
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
Psalm 73:28
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” – Psalm 73:28
John 15:4
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” – John 15:4
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 46:10
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'” – Psalm 46:10
Intercession for Others
We also come to the altar not only for ourselves but for others. This sacred space allows us to intercede for our loved ones, communities, and even the world. When we bring the needs of others before God, we foster a heart of compassion and empathy. Coming together as a community in prayer opens up the possibility for healing and restoration. We can stand in the gap for those who are struggling, entrusting their burdens to God and asking for His intervention, love, and grace to flow into their lives.
1 Timothy 2:1
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people.” – 1 Timothy 2:1
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:18
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” – Romans 8:26
Claiming His Promises
The altar is a place where we can claim the promises God has made. In our prayers, we can take hold of His word, recalling His blessings, guidance, and faithfulness. In doing so, we remind ourselves of the truth of God’s nature and the assurance that He is with us always. Standing at the altar, we can speak God’s promises over our lives and those around us, trusting that He will fulfill them according to His will. It is a moment of faith where we declare our confidence in His plans for us.
2 Peter 1:4
“Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” – 2 Peter 1:4
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Romans 4:21
“Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:21
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” – Isaiah 40:8
Final Thoughts
Coming to the altar is an essential part of our faith journey. It is our response to God’s call, an invitation to seek forgiveness, offer our lives to Him, and deepen our connection with Him. As we approach the altar, we open ourselves to intercede for others and claim His promises over our lives. It’s a beautiful time of submission and renewal.
We are reminded that God is waiting for us with open arms, ready to embrace us, heal us, and strengthen our faith. Let us take every opportunity to come to the altar, both in our hearts and at church, and experience the transformative power of His love and grace.
If you wish to continue exploring your faith journey, consider reading about the Lord’s Supper or find inspiration on the importance of kneeling in prayer. Each step we take brings us closer to God.