Lyrics
(Hook: Choir)
At the altar, you can tell Jesus all about it.
At the altar, you can tell what you heart has to say.
You can tell Him, how you need Him.
How you thank Him and how you love Him.
At the altar, when you kneel to pray.
Verse: Guy & Girl Worship Leaders
So if your journey through life has been bittersweet,
and the courage to dream has turned incomplete.
Bridge:
At the altar your brokenness He will meet, there's joy in knowing He's near.
(Verse)
(BRIDGE)
Hook
(Vamp)
Down, down, down at the altar
(repeat adlib)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“The Altar” portrays prayer as an honest meeting with Jesus. Its central refrain invites burdens, needs, gratitude, and love to be spoken at the altar, making that place a symbol of open communion with God. Kneeling expresses humility, while the repeated assurance that Jesus is near gives the song a gentle confidence. The lyric does not treat prayer as formal speech; it presents it as truthful conversation in which brokenness can be brought directly to Christ.
The verse acknowledges that life can become bittersweet and that courage can falter when hopes remain incomplete. Against that discouragement, the bridge says that Christ meets brokenness at the altar and that joy is found in his nearness. This theme closely reflects biblical invitations to approach God for mercy and help, and to bring every concern to him in prayer. The choir’s repetition strengthens the communal dimension of the message: pain need not be concealed, because the presence of Jesus offers a place for confession, thanksgiving, dependence, and renewed hope.
Related Scripture
- Hebrews 4:16 The verse invites believers to approach God’s throne for mercy and timely help.
- Philippians 4:6-7 Paul directs believers to bring requests to God with thanksgiving in prayer.
- Psalm 34:18 The psalm says the Lord is near to the brokenhearted.