God wants relationship, not religion. The altar is part of that relationship—where we meet Him with surrender. TOPIC: What is an Altar & How Do I Build/Raise One? TODAY'S SCRIPTURE “So Jacob called the place Bethel, and said, ‘This is the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” — Genesis 28:17 (ESV) TODAY'S WORD An altar is a place (or posture) where you offer something to God—worship, consecration, repentance, thanksgiving, and obedience. Jacob didn’t just “find a spot”; he encountered God and responded with devotion. How can one “build/raise” an altar for himself? You can’t always build a literal stone altar, but you can raise a spiritual altar by: - MAKING ROOM FOR GOD (intentional devotion, prayer time, quietness) - OFFERING YOUR HEART (repentance and surrender) - OFFERING YOUR Life (obedience, integrity, serving others) - KEEPING THE ALTAR “ALIVE” (consistent worship, not only occasional emotion) Your altar is not just where you kneel—it’s what you surrender. PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, teach me how to build a living altar. Help me set my heart to meet You daily. Remove distractions, strengthen my discipline, and let my worship be sincere. I consecrate myself to You this morning. In Jesus’ name. Amen. PROPHETIC DECLARATION I declare that God will meet me at my altar. My life will become a place of encounter, repentance, and divine direction. MY DECLARATION Today I raise a living altar in my heart. I surrender to God, and my worship will be consistent. JESUS CHRIST IS LORD