Psalmist Raine - This Altar - Here On This Altar Spontaneous Worship Lyrics

This Altar - Here On This Altar Spontaneous Worship

This Altar - Here On This Altar Spontaneous Worship Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Psalmist Raine's "This Altar - Here On This Altar Spontaneous Worship," released with an accompanying video on March 9, 2016, unfolds as a deeply personal and earnest offering of self to the divine. The song centers around the potent metaphor of building an altar, not with physical materials, but with one's very being. This concept immediately evokes biblical imagery of sacrifice and communion, a place of profound encounter between humanity and God. The lyrics establish this altar as the locus for the worshiper's heart, lifted arms, and bended knee, signifying surrender, reverence, and humility before a holy presence, acknowledging God's exalted position.

The vulnerability of the human condition is laid bare as the heart offered upon this altar is described as "bruised" and "scarred." Yet, despite this woundedness, the act of building the altar persists. This speaks to a faith that acknowledges imperfection and past failings but remains steadfast in its desire to connect with the divine. The plea "Father, consume me," repeated with variations like "move me," "breathe life into me," and "use me," signifies a yearning for radical transformation and active participation in God's purposes. It calls upon the divine presence to purify, empower, and revitalize the worshiper's spirit, suggesting a desire for the refining fire often associated with God's holiness.

The song continues by presenting hands, acknowledging they "haven't done so well," illustrating a past marked by mistakes or sin. Yet, this confession is immediately coupled with the assurance of God's omnipresence, referenced by the powerful line "Even when I made my bed in hell." This echoes the scriptural truth that there is nowhere one can flee from God's presence, even in the deepest despair or consequence of actions. Following this acknowledgment of past brokenness and present divine assurance, the ultimate surrender is voiced: "Here's my life, here's my life, I give it all to You." This complete yielding is aligned with the concept of offering one's entire self as a living sacrifice, a central tenet of devoted faith.

The spontaneous nature of the worship becomes evident in the repetitive declarations that follow. Phrases like "Here on this altar," "Here I am," and "I lift my hands" are repeated, creating a meditative and intensely focused atmosphere. The offering extends beyond just the heart and hands to encompass every facet of existence: "Every agenda I create," acknowledging the need for divine regulation of one's thoughts and plans. The desire for a "mind... regulated" and "soul renewed" highlights the comprehensive nature of the transformation sought, touching on intellectual and spiritual dimensions. The ultimate declaration, "Here I am, I am the sacrifice, Here I am, I surrender," encapsulates the core message – the worshiper identifies themselves completely with the offering on the altar, yielding everything in an act of total surrender to divine will and power. The lyrics collectively paint a picture of a soul utterly dependent on and dedicated to God, finding renewal and purpose in complete yieldedness upon the symbolic altar of self.