How to pray for dedication, consecration, fire, protection, healing, and generational legacy as you raise the altar of the Lord.
In Scripture, the altar represents more than just a physical structure — it is a sacred meeting place between God and His people. From the days of Noah, Abraham, and Jacob, altars were raised as symbols of covenant, worship, and divine encounter. Each time a servant of God built an altar, it became a place where heaven touched earth and where God’s presence was tangibly revealed.
Today, as we build church sanctuaries, the altar remains the central focus — the place where prayers rise, sacrifices are made, and lives are transformed. A church without a consecrated altar is like a house without a foundation. It is at the altar that burdens are lifted, souls are saved, and healing streams flow.
For a new church building, raising the altar in prayer is not just a ceremonial act but a prophetic declaration. It is saying: “This ground belongs to the Lord. This place is set apart for His glory.” Before the first service is held, before the first sermon is preached, the altar must be prayerfully dedicated as a dwelling place for God’s presence.
In this article, we will explore the biblical meaning of altars, prepare our hearts and ground for consecration, and release prophetic prayer points to dedicate the new altar. This is a spiritual journey, inviting God’s fire and glory to rest upon His house for generations to come.
Biblical Understanding of Altars
To fully grasp the importance of raising an altar in a new church building, we must look at the pattern of altars in Scripture. Altars were not random; they were purposeful, prophetic, and powerful. Each altar carried meaning and marked a significant spiritual moment.
1. The Altar as a Place of Covenant
When Noah stepped out of the ark after the flood, the first thing he did was build an altar to the Lord (Genesis 8:20). This was not merely thanksgiving but a covenantal act. God responded by establishing His promise never to destroy the earth by flood again. Similarly, Abraham built altars wherever God revealed Himself, marking those places as covenant grounds (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:18).
Lesson for us today: Raising an altar in a new church is a covenant declaration — that this house belongs to the Lord and will stand as a testimony of His faithfulness.
2. The Altar as a Place of Worship and Sacrifice
In the Old Testament, altars were places of offerings and sacrifices (Leviticus 17:11). They were symbols of surrender, where something valuable was laid down for God. The altar is where flesh dies, and the fire of God consumes the sacrifice.
Lesson for us today: The altar in a new church building must be set apart as a place where lives are laid down in surrender, and worship rises as a sweet-smelling fragrance to the Lord.
3. The Altar as a Place of Encounter
Jacob built an altar at Bethel after his divine dream of the ladder reaching heaven (Genesis 28:18–22). Elijah rebuilt the altar of the Lord on Mount Carmel, and fire fell in response (1 Kings 18:30–39). Each altar was a place of divine encounter where heaven responded to earth.
Lesson for us today: A consecrated church altar must be a place where the supernatural is natural — where prayers are answered, healing is released, and God’s glory dwells continually.
4. The Altar as a Symbol of God’s Presence
The altar was often associated with God’s manifest presence. In Exodus 29:43, God declared: “And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.” Altars were not lifeless structures but living symbols of God’s nearness.
Lesson for us today: The altar in the new church is not just furniture; it is the throne room of God on earth, His dwelling place among His people.
Preparing the Ground for the Altar
Before a physical altar can be raised in a church building, the spiritual ground must first be prepared. God is not only concerned with the structure but with the hearts and atmosphere that surround it. Building an altar without preparation is like laying a foundation on sinking sand.
1. Spiritual Cleansing of the Ground
In Scripture, when Israel entered new territory, they often cleansed the land from idols and pagan altars before raising one unto the Lord (Judges 6:25–27). Gideon was commanded to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and raise an altar to Yahweh in its place.
Application:
Before raising the altar in a new church, leaders and members should spend time in repentance, prayer, and cleansing of the land. Any previous covenants, bloodshed, or idolatrous activities in that environment must be renounced through prayer.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, we sanctify this ground with the blood of Jesus. Every voice of darkness speaking from this land, we silence it. We declare this place holy unto You.”
2. Dedication of the People
God’s true altar is not stone or wood — it is the heart. In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are called “living stones… built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God.”
Application:
The people must be dedicated before the altar is. A consecration service or prayer retreat can be held where the congregation offers themselves afresh to God as His living altars.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, consecrate us as Your living stones. As we build this altar, build Your throne in our hearts.”
3. Unity Among the Builders
In 2 Chronicles 5:13–14, when the Levites and priests were united in worship, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. Unity is the soil in which God plants His glory.
Application:
Before the altar is raised, any grudges, divisions, or strife among leaders and members should be resolved. The altar must not be built on bitterness but on love and harmony.
Prayer Point:
“Father, give us one heart and one mind. Let this altar be a symbol of unity in this house, and let Your glory fill it.”
4. Prophetic Declarations Over the Site
Altars are spiritual gateways. What is declared over them matters. Before raising the altar, prophetic words, Scriptures, and blessings should be spoken over the church building and its altar site.
Application:
Leaders can walk around the site reading Psalms of dedication (like Psalm 24 and Psalm 132) and declaring it a house of prayer and encounter.
Prayer Point:
“We declare that this altar shall be a place of prayer, power, and presence. Nations will come here to encounter the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Prayer Points for Raising the Altar
Raising a church altar is not just about laying stones or setting up a pulpit. It is a prophetic act of dedication where heaven and earth connect. Below are powerful prayer points to guide the church as they raise the altar. These can be prayed in corporate gatherings, prayer vigils, or personal intercession.
1. Thanksgiving and Dedication
Before asking for anything, begin with gratitude. Thank God for the opportunity to build Him a house and raise an altar for His glory.
Prayer Points:
- Father, we thank You for choosing us as a people to raise an altar in this place.
- Lord, we dedicate this land, this building, and this altar to You alone.
- May this altar be a dwelling place for Your presence forever.
2. Cleansing and Sanctification of the Altar
Every altar must be sanctified for God’s holy use. Just as Solomon sanctified the temple (2 Chronicles 7:1–2), pray for the altar to be purified by the blood of Jesus.
Prayer Points:
- By the blood of Jesus, we cleanse this altar from every defilement and contamination.
- Lord, let no strange fire be kindled here — only the holy fire of Your Spirit.
- Sanctify every instrument, every vessel, and every priest that will serve at this altar.
3. Manifestation of God’s Glory
The ultimate purpose of the altar is to be a resting place for God’s glory. Without His presence, it is just furniture.
Prayer Points:
- Father, let Your glory fill this altar as in the days of Solomon.
- Lord, let this place carry the weight of Your Shekinah presence.
- May every worshipper encounter Your power at this altar.
4. Fire of Revival on the Altar
An altar without fire is powerless. Just as Elijah called down fire on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38), pray for the altar to burn with revival fire.
Prayer Points:
- Lord, let fresh fire fall upon this altar.
- Father, make this altar a place where revival is birthed and sustained.
- Let souls be saved, healed, and delivered as fire burns continually here.
5. Protection and Preservation of the Altar
Every altar attracts warfare, because it becomes a gateway for heaven’s influence. Pray for protection.
Prayer Points:
- Lord, surround this altar with Your angels day and night.
- We cancel every satanic plan against this altar in the name of Jesus.
- No strange power shall rise against this altar — it is sealed by the blood of Christ.
6. Healing and Deliverance at the Altar
Altars are places of exchange, where burdens are lifted and healing flows.
Prayer Points:
- Lord, let this altar be a place where sickness bows to Your name.
- Father, let deliverance flow from this altar to the oppressed.
- May testimonies of healing and restoration continually spring forth from here.
7. The Word and Worship on the Altar
The altar is a place for God’s Word to be proclaimed and for true worship to ascend.
Prayer Points:
- Lord, let only Your undiluted Word be preached from this altar.
- May every worship offered here be in spirit and truth.
- Silence every strange voice; let only the voice of Your Spirit be heard here.
8. Nations and Generations Blessed by the Altar
Altars are not just for today but for future generations. Abraham’s altars blessed his lineage.
Prayer Points:
- Lord, let this altar speak for generations to come.
- May nations come to encounter Jesus through this altar.
- Let children yet unborn rise to serve You because of what You do here.
9. Prosperity and Provision for the House
God’s altar is also a place where His provision flows (Philippians 4:19). Pray for resources to sustain the ministry.
Prayer Points:
- Father, bless every hand that contributes to this altar.
- Let there be no lack in this house of God.
- We declare abundance, provision, and supernatural supply in Jesus’ name.
10. A Covenant of Perpetual Presence
Finally, establish a covenant prayer for God’s presence to never depart.
Prayer Points:
- Lord, as long as this altar stands, may Your presence remain here.
- Father, we make a covenant of perpetual worship and prayer at this altar.
- May this altar always be known as a meeting place with the living God.
12 Powerful Prayer Points for Raising the Altar
Here are Spirit-filled, scripture-based prayer points you and your congregation can pray as you raise the altar of the Lord in your new church building:
Prayer of Dedication and Holiness
- Scripture: Exodus 29:44
- Prayer Point: “Lord, we dedicate this altar to You. Let it remain holy and sanctified, set apart only for Your worship and glory.”
Prayer for God’s Presence
- Scripture: Exodus 40:34-35
- Prayer Point: “Father, let Your glory fill this altar, just as Your presence filled the tabernacle of Moses.”
Prayer for Fire on the Altar
- Scripture: Leviticus 6:13
- Prayer Point: “Lord, let the fire of prayer and worship never go out from this altar.”
Prayer for Deliverance
- Scripture: Obadiah 1:17
- Prayer Point: “Father, let this altar be a place of deliverance where chains are broken, yokes are destroyed, and Your people are set free.”
Prayer for Healing
- Scripture: Matthew 21:14
- Prayer Point: “Lord Jesus, let this altar be a place of healing where the sick are restored in body, soul, and spirit.”
Prayer for Salvation of Souls
- Scripture: Acts 2:41
- Prayer Point: “Lord, let this altar continually draw sinners to repentance and salvation in Christ.”
Prayer for Revival Fire
- Scripture: Habakkuk 3:2
- Prayer Point: “Revive Your work, O Lord, and let this altar be a place of revival fire in this generation.”
Prayer for Worship
- Scripture: John 4:24
- Prayer Point: “Father, let true worship in spirit and truth rise continually from this altar.”
Prayer for Wisdom for Leaders
- Scripture: James 1:5
- Prayer Point: “Lord, grant wisdom to the pastors, elders, and leaders who minister at this altar.”
Prayer for Protection
- Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2
- Prayer Point: “Lord, let this altar be covered under the shadow of Your wings. No weapon formed against this church shall prosper.”
Prayer for Prosperity and Kingdom Advancement
- Scripture: Haggai 2:8-9
- Prayer Point: “Father, let the glory of this latter house be greater than the former. Release resources for the advancement of Your kingdom.”
Prayer for Generational Impact
- Scripture: Psalm 78:6-7
- Prayer Point: “Lord, let this altar bless generations yet unborn. May children’s children come to know You through the ministry of this altar.”
Related Reading
- Prayer Points For Church Building Project
- Intercessory Prayer Points For the Church
- Prayer Points For Church Growth and Revival
Conclusion and Final Blessing
Beloved, raising an altar to the Lord is more than placing stones, wood, or bricks together; it is an act of covenant, devotion, and worship. In your new church building, the altar will serve as the spiritual heartbeat of the congregation—a place where prayers ascend to heaven and God’s glory descends among His people.
As you dedicate this altar, remember that God is not only interested in the structure but in the living sacrifices that gather around it (Romans 12:1). Every prayer, every song, every cry of repentance, and every word of thanksgiving offered here will become a sweet fragrance rising to Him.
May this altar be a place of fire, freedom, and fellowship with God. May it carry revival in this generation and leave a legacy of faith for generations to come.
Final Blessing Prayer:
“Father, we thank You for the grace to raise this altar in Your name. May Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayers offered here day and night (2 Chronicles 7:15). Let this altar stand as a witness of Your faithfulness and a gateway of heaven in this land. We decree that from this altar, healing, deliverance, salvation, and revival will flow like a river. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
God bless you.
All the best!