Altar Of Prayer: Where God Meets Man Series

ALTAR OF PRAYER: WHERE GOD MEETS MAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 28:10-19

Supporting Texts: Exodus 33:7-11, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, 1 Kings 18:30-39, Luke 22:39-46, Revelation 8:3-5

INTRODUCTION:

The altar of prayer is not just a physical location—it is a spiritual place of meeting, communion, and divine encounter. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself to those who build and approach the altar in humility, faith, and surrender. The altar symbolises a point of access, where heaven touches the earth and where God speaks to His people.

In Genesis 28, Jacob discovered that what seemed to be an ordinary place was actually a gate of heaven because he encountered God there in a dream. His response was to set up an altar—a testimony of divine visitation. This tells us that wherever prayer rises sincerely from the heart, God is ready to descend with revelation, direction, and transformation.

Today, every believer must have a personal altar of prayer. It may not be a literal structure, but it is the place in your heart and lifestyle where God is continually honoured and sought. At that altar, you receive grace, strength, and instructions for destiny.

1. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF ENCOUNTER

Before change happens externally, it begins at the altar in God’s presence.

a) Divine encounters begin at the altar (Genesis 28:12–13):

God spoke to Jacob through a dream on the altar—promises were revealed that changed his life forever.

b) The altar reveals God’s presence (Exodus 33:9–11):

Moses met with God at the tent of meeting as a man speaks to his friend. Every altar becomes a platform for relationship.

c) Revelation flows from the altar (Habakkuk 2:1–2):

Those who tarry at the altar receive clarity for life’s journey.

d) The altar transforms our spiritual climate (Luke 9:28–30):

Jesus’ appearance changed while He prayed on the mountain—prayer alters us.

Biblical Example: Jacob met God at Bethel, and his life took a new direction. He entered as a wanderer and arose with destiny and covenant.

2. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF SACRIFICE

True altars are marked by surrender and offerings—of self, time, and obedience.

a) Sacrifice invites divine response (1 Kings 18:36–38):

Elijah repaired the broken altar, placed a sacrifice, and fire fell from heaven.

b) God honours heartfelt offerings (Psalm 51:17):

A broken and contrite heart is a worthy sacrifice at the altar.

c) Sacrificial prayer moves heaven (Romans 12:1):

When we present our bodies as living sacrifices, God responds with glory.

d) Sacrifice reveals our love and devotion (2 Samuel 24:24):

David refused to offer to God what cost him nothing—a principle of true altars.

Biblical Example: Elijah’s altar and sacrifice caused God to respond with fire, proving who the true God was to the people.

3. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND INTERVENTION

Many battles are won or lost at the altar. A prayerless altar invites defeat.

a) Power is released through prayer (James 5:16–18):

Elijah’s altar wasn’t just for show—it was a battleground for national revival.

b) The altar silences evil altars (Numbers 23:1–12):

Balak raised altars for curses, but the presence of God on Israel’s altar overruled them.

c) Angelic help is dispatched from the altar (Revelation 8:3–5):

Prayers offered at the heavenly altar release angelic assignments and judgments.

d) Deliverance is secured on the altar (Luke 22:44):

Jesus overcame the greatest spiritual battle in Gethsemane at His prayer altar.

Biblical Example: Jesus prayed fervently in Gethsemane, and heaven strengthened Him—He won the battle before the cross.

4. THE ALTAR IS A PLACE OF RENEWAL AND COMMUNION

God uses the altar to revive, restore, and refresh His people.

a) The altar renews strength (Isaiah 40:31):

Waiting upon the Lord in prayer refuels us spiritually and emotionally.

b) It deepens intimacy with God (Psalm 91:1):

Those who dwell in the secret place of prayer abide under divine covering.

c) Covenants are renewed at the altar (Genesis 35:1–7):

Jacob returned to Bethel and renewed his commitment after years of struggle.

d) Grace for the journey is received (Hebrews 4:16):

The altar gives us boldness to approach God and receive mercy and help.

Biblical Example: Jacob, after years of wandering, returned to the altar at Bethel and was refreshed in his relationship with God.

CONCLUSION:

The altar of prayer is the believer’s lifeline. It is where destinies are shaped, battles are won, and heaven’s presence is downloaded into the earth. Without an altar, spiritual life becomes cold and vulnerable. But with a burning altar, we carry God's presence daily.

It’s time to rebuild and prioritise your altar of prayer. Whether in your room, heart, or place of worship—meet God daily and He will meet with you. Let your altar burn continually and heaven will never be silent concerning you.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, rebuild my prayer altar and let it burn afresh.