Abraham’s altars


Genesis 13:18 – “There he built an altar to the Lord.”

 

As I was reading through the opening chapters of the book of Genesis, I was struck by a recurring pattern in Abraham’s life. Wherever Abraham went, he built an altar to the Lord. This phrase appears again and again, almost like a refrain woven through his journey of faith, an altar at Shechem, another between Bethel and Ai, and later at Hebron.

 

At first glance, building an altar may seem like a simple physical act, gathering stones, arranging them, offering a sacrifice. Yet spiritually, Abraham’s altars carry profound meaning for our walk with God.

 

Abraham’s altars were far more than monuments; they were expressions of faith. Each time he pitched his tent in unfamiliar territory, he openly acknowledged that God was with him, leading him, and worthy of worship. In much the same way, we journey through new seasons—new schools, new jobs, new responsibilities, new challenges. In the busyness of transition, it is easy to move forward without pausing to acknowledge God’s presence. Abraham’s life reminds us to stop, to worship, and to declare that God is present wherever He leads us.

 

These altars also reveal a consistent habit of worship. For Abraham, worship was not confined to a sacred place or a particular moment; it was a way of life. Each altar represented a pause to remember God’s guidance, provision, and protection. Likewise, worship in our lives must go beyond routine or ritual. It is meant to be a continual posture of the heart—expressed through prayer, gratitude, obedience, and trust—even in seasons of uncertainty.

 

Abraham’s altars also served as memorials of God’s faithfulness. They marked locations where Abraham had encountered God, heard His voice, or experienced His blessing. In our own journey, we too can establish spiritual “altars”, perhaps through journaling answered prayers, remembering God’s past deliverances, or intentionally reflecting on His goodness. 

 

These moments anchor our faith and remind us that God has been faithfully at work in every season of our lives.

 

Finally, Abraham’s altars were visible witnesses to others. They stood as tangible testimonies that pointed beyond Abraham himself to the one true God he worshiped. In the same way, our lives can quietly but powerfully testify of God’s presence. When others observe a life marked by gratitude, reverence, and faith, it becomes a living witness to the God who leads and sustains us.

 

Abraham’s altars teach us a simple yet powerful truth: worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God should accompany every step of our journey. Like Abraham, may we build “altars” wherever life places us, at home, at work, at school, and even in the unknown paths ahead. Each act of worship is a declaration of faith and a renewed commitment to walk with God, trusting Him to lead, protect, and provide in every season.

 

Reflection

 

As we reflect on Abraham’s example, let us ask ourselves:

 

  • Are we acknowledging God in every area of our lives?
  • Are we cultivating habits of worship and remembrance?
  • Are our lives pointing others toward the God who faithfully guides us?

 

May our lives, like Abraham’s altars, continually honour God and bear witness to His unchanging goodness.

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father,


We thank You for the example of Abraham, a man who acknowledged You wherever he went. Teach us to pause in the midst of our journeys and recognise Your presence in every season of life. Help us to build altars of worship, gratitude, and remembrance—not only with our words, but with our lives.

 

May our hearts remain sensitive to Your leading, our faith anchored in Your faithfulness, and our lives a testimony that points others to You. Wherever You place us, may we honour You and walk humbly with You.

 

We ask this in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.


Amen.

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