Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  

Hebrews 4:16

There are many Biblical accounts of altars being constructed by people that had journeyed through very trying times.  The altars were built as places to worship and thank God as they remembered his presence as they traveled.  They placed items on the altar that reminded them of how God had provided for them.

This photo of the altar in Trinity’s sanctuary was taken during the 2019 Lenten services.  On the altar one can see the cross—the symbol of the resurrection of Jesus and his triumph over death; and the candles—declaring that Jesus is the light of the world.   If you look carefully, you will notice right in front of the candle on the left a pitcher with a towel hanging on it reminding us of the servanthood of Jesus as he washed the disciples’ feet.

There are times when we want to draw closer to God, but we are not at church.  Our altar then is of our own design—possibly a quiet place with just a candle or a Bible, a seashell or a flower or maybe just what we see in our mind’s eye.  It’s not about the place, it’s about God coming to us where we are and offering us “mercy and grace in time of need.”

Janet Hill