And Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. – Genesis 35:14
bible verses about alters
The Purpose of Altars
Altars hold a significant place in our worship and relationship with God. They serve as a meeting point between heaven and earth, a place for sacrifices, prayer, and communion. Throughout the Bible, we see various instances where altars were built to honor God and express devotion. When we gather at our altars, we come together as one family in faith, reaching out to God, making supplications, and thanking Him for His providence.
Genesis 8:20
Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. – Genesis 8:20
Exodus 20:24
Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. – Exodus 20:24
Leviticus 1:5
He is to slaughter the young bull before the Lord, and then Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar at the entrance to the tent of meeting. – Leviticus 1:5
Joshua 22:34
And the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh gave the altar this name: A Witness Between Us—that the Lord is God. – Joshua 22:34
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
When we approach the altar for prayer, it provides us with a sacred space to open our hearts to God. In our busy lives, seeking a quiet moment at the altar allows us to connect intimately with the Lord. It is often here that we feel the weight of our issues lift away and we feel empowered and encouraged. Let’s use these moments at the altar to strengthen our faith through prayer, while remembering that we can speak to God openly and honestly, about anything that matters to us.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray continually, – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
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
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6
Psalm 55:17
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. – Psalm 55:17
The Altar of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is crucial in our lives as Christians, and the altar serves as a beautiful spot for expressing gratitude. As we gather and reflect on God’s blessings, we become more in tune with His goodness. At the altar of thanksgiving, we release our burdens and celebrate His faithfulness, acknowledging that every good gift comes from above. Let us remember to be thankful and honor His provision at the altar.
Psalm 116:17
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. – Psalm 116:17
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. – Psalm 100:4
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. – Hebrews 12:28
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34
Altars of Worship and Praise
Worship is our heartfelt response to God, and altars offer a powerful place for praise. When we express our love for God, whether in song, words, or through our actions, the altar becomes a sacred space where our offerings are presented. Together, we can create an atmosphere of worship and joy, lifting our spirits and bringing us closer to God. Let’s be bold in our adoration at the altar.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:6
Psalm 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. – Psalm 95:6
Isaiah 12:5
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. – Isaiah 12:5
Romans 15:11
And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” – Romans 15:11
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. – Hebrews 13:15
Building Family Altars
We live in a world where family bonds can often be strained. However, creating an altar in our homes provides a platform for family prayer, teaching, and bonding. Altars are not just physical structures; they represent the unity of family as we gather to grow in faith together. Let us prioritize building family altars, inviting God into our daily lives, nurturing our relationships, and cultivating an environment of love.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Joshua 24:15
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6
Psalms 78:4
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. – Psalms 78:4
Malachi 2:15
Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. – Malachi 2:15
The Altar as a Place of Healing
In our spiritual journeys, we may face wounds or burdens that need healing. When we come to the altar, we place our trust in God, where we can surrender our pains and receive restoration. The altar stands as a representation of hope and new beginnings. As we bring our struggles to God and accept His grace, we are healed in body, mind, and spirit, creating space for peace and love to flourish.
Exodus 15:26
He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” – Exodus 15:26
James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:14
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5
Psalms 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. – Psalms 147:3
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
Final Thoughts
As we explore the concept of altars, we recognize their profound role in our spiritual lives. Altars are not just physical structures; they are places where we meet God, offer prayers, express gratitude, worship, and seek healing. Together, we can establish family altars that reinforce our faith and bond with one another. Our altars remind us of His goodness and grace as we gather to pray and seek His presence.
Let’s continue to cherish the significance of altars in our life, reflecting on God’s great love for us. May we always find time at the altar, where our hearts are brought to a place of connection and transformation in His light.
If you’re interested in exploring more topics related to faith, consider reading about justice for the oppressed or justice and righteousness. These topics can enrich our reflection on how we are called to live out our faith.