The Altar and Prayer
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Introduction

In biblical tradition, the altar holds a significant place as a sacred space where humans and the divine meet. It serves as a focal point for worship, sacrifice, and prayer. The altar is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of devotion, repentance, and communication with God. Throughout the Bible, altars are closely associated with prayer, serving as a place where individuals and communities seek God's presence, guidance, and intervention.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, altars are first mentioned in the context of the patriarchs. Noah, after the flood, built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings (Genesis 8:20). This act of worship and thanksgiving set a precedent for the use of altars as places of prayer and sacrifice. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob also built altars as they journeyed, marking significant encounters with God (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25; 35:1-7).

The construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem formalized the use of altars in Israelite worship. The altar of burnt offering, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, was central to the sacrificial system (Exodus 27:1-8). It was here that priests offered sacrifices on behalf of the people, seeking atonement and favor from God. The altar of incense, situated inside the Holy Place, was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10).

The connection between the altar and prayer is evident in the Psalms and prophetic literature. The psalmist often speaks of approaching God's altar with a heart of prayer and praise (Psalm 43:4). The prophets, too, emphasize the importance of sincere prayer over mere ritualistic offerings (Isaiah 1:11-17; Hosea 6:6).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of the altar evolves with the coming of Christ. Jesus Himself is seen as the ultimate sacrifice, rendering the physical altars of the Old Covenant obsolete. However, the spiritual significance of the altar as a place of prayer and communion with God remains.

Jesus taught about the importance of prayer, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray (Mark 1:35). He emphasized the need for sincerity and faith in prayer, teaching His disciples to pray with humility and persistence (Matthew 6:5-13; Luke 18:1-8). The early Christians continued this practice, gathering for prayer and breaking of bread, which can be seen as a spiritual altar where they encountered the risen Christ (Acts 2:42).

The Book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the High Priest who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice, thus opening a new and living way for believers to approach God (Hebrews 10:19-22). This theological shift underscores the idea that prayer is now offered through Christ, who intercedes on behalf of believers (Hebrews 7:25).

Symbolism and Application

The altar symbolizes a place of meeting between God and humanity, a place where prayers are offered and heard. It represents the heart's posture before God, whether in repentance, thanksgiving, or supplication. In personal and communal worship, the altar serves as a reminder of the need for a dedicated space and time for prayer.

In contemporary Christian practice, while physical altars may not hold the same central role as in ancient times, the concept of an altar remains relevant. Believers are encouraged to create "altars" in their hearts and homes, dedicating time and space for prayer and communion with God. The altar, therefore, continues to be a powerful symbol of the believer's relationship with God, rooted in the rich biblical tradition of worship and prayer.
Subtopics

Altar

Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa

Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh

Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge

Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel

Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of

Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of

Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified

Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of

Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of

Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It

Altar in the Tabernacle: See

Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns

Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God

Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord

Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar

Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple

Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah

Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ

Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord

Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense

Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil

Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year

Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar

Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites

Altar of Incense: Constructed

Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary

Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold

Altar of Incense: Dimensions of

Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves

Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying

Altar of Incense: Location of

Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On

Altar of Incense: Pattern of

Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary

Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On

Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On

Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord

Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision

Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold

Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of

Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening

Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold

Altar of Incense: Uses of

Altar used in Idolatrous Worship

Altar: Built by Abraham

Altar: Built by Balaam

Altar: Built by David

Altar: Built by Elijah

Altar: Built by Gideon

Altar: Built by Isaac

Altar: Built by Jacob

Altar: Built by Joshua

Altar: Built by Moses

Altar: Built by Noah

Altar: Built by Samuel

Altar: Built by Saul

Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites

Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of

Altar: See

The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve

The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From

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Is'the (1 Occurrence)

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Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

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24000 (10 Occurrences)

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Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

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Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Altar and Its Measurements
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