What does the altar mean to you?

What does the altar mean to you? This is a question we were asked yesterday during our Easter service. We know that the altar is where we go to pray, but to me the purpose of the altar goes a little deeper than that. The altar is representative of a new beginning in my life. That’s where I met Jesus and received his gift of salvation. Since that day it has become a place of forgiveness (which I need daily), a place of restoration, a place of encouragement, and so much more. But the altar is not just confined to the church. The altar can be anywhere that you make it. That’s what is so special about it. The altar has the same meaning and purpose at 12 in the morning when you feel like you have nowhere to turn as it does on Sunday morning when you are feeling encouraged. There have been times I didn’t think I would make it through, but the altar was there for me to lean on at my lowest point. You see, I believe the altar is special and unique to every individual. As we went around the church and everyone answered the exact same question, everyone had a different answer. For some it was a place to go when you are feeling helpless and discouraged. For some it was a place to give thanks to God for everything he has done. We could all pray at the same altar, but our experiences would all be different. Our relationship with God is just that. It is unique and individual to each of us. The one common thing that all of our experiences have in common is Jesus. No matter where you pray, the time of day/night, or whatever you are going through, there is Jesus. In the lowest valleys and highest mountains, there is Jesus. When you feel alone and defeated, there is Jesus. In all seasons of life, there is Jesus. I don’t know about you, but for me that is enough. So I encourage you to think about the same question that our congregation was asked. What does the altar mean to you? For me, it is a life changer. It is a place of hope. It is a place of peace. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26