At the Altar

Growing up, some my most memorable moments happened at church. I grew up in a church that placed a strong emphasis on prayer and every service ended with a time at the altar. I remember many times we would pray together as a family at the altar. Other times, it would be a time of personal devotion and prayer. And sometimes it was a place where we knelt with others to lift our praises and requests to the Lord.

I grew to love these times of sweet communion with the Lord and with other believers. I loved to hear the voices of the saints praying different prayers all to the same God. What a neat experience to hear people pray aloud, all at the same time, and knowing God can hear each and every prayer! I vividly remember my great aunt crying out to the Lord and naming her grandchildren one by one, praying for their salvation while she played piano for the service. Another time, I remember kneeling with my mother as she prayed for God’s presence, healing, and His guidance as tears streamed down her face. I remember my dad frequently leading the congregation in praise and worship while people prayed, listening to his voice as he sang the hymns and spiritual songs, encouraging the congregation to draw close to the Lord as He draws near to us. I remember the leaders of the church praying for individual needs while anointing with oil and laying hands on them as James 5:14 outlines.

During this time of waiting, I often reflect on and long for those times at the altar….Times of confession, consecration, change, communion with the saints, and healing.  I am thankful for both times of corporate prayer and times of personal worship. I pray these continue in both times of harvest and want.

Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into the deep waters of the knowledge of Christ. - Charles Spurgeon

When we work, we work. When we pray, God works. - Hudson Taylor

The best style of prayer is that which cannot be called anything else but a cry. - Charles Spurgeon

Most memorable lyrics from times at the altar:

What a healing, Jesus, I found in you
What a healing Jesus, you restore, refresh and renew
You're my healing Jesus, for such a time as this
Arise on healing wings, Son of Righteousness.

In the presence of Jehovah
God Almighty, Prince of Peace,
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended
In the presence of the King.

In His presence
In His holy presence
The weary can find perfect rest
The broken are restored
In His presence
In His holy presence
There's nothing like the presence of the Lord.

~Paige