For those who pray at the church alter?

I don't think there is anything wrong with praying at the altar in church. We go to church to pray and use of the altar for prayer and worship is present throughout the Bible.

Personally, I like to pray in private. Jesus prayed in all kinds of places, like on a hillside, in the cities or in a garden. A person can pray anywhere.

See, I Kings 8:22 and I Kings 8:54 and II Chronicles 6:12.

There are lots of other instances in the Bible where people prayed at an altar but these will get you started....Blessings!

1) It's altar, not alter, as the latter means "to change".

2) "Altar calls" are a relatively new thing in Protestant Churches.

3) It's not an Altar, it's a podium. Altars indicate sacrifice and gifts. Since communion is only "symbolic" in Protestant churches, then it is not necessary to call these podiums "Altars".

I am starring this so I can return and see the answers -- great question!

The term altar is mentioned in the Bible 378 times. A link is attached for your reference.

I pray at the altar as an act of humbleness and it is easier for others to come and pray with me. When I am experiencing a crisis it is comforting to know that people of like faith are praying with me.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationR...

I am unfamiliar with such a custom.

However, your own question "why you go to the alter instead of praying in your seat" seems to illustrate that once place is just as good as any other. Why the big deal if someone decided to kneel there?

It is just a religious custom. There is nothing scriptural about it.

Jesus said He and the Father would come and make their dwelling place IN us and that He would never leave us or forsake us. So, when we consider that God is not only IN us, but has given us His very own nature in our born again experience, it becomes obvious that it is truly a silly gesture to leave your chair (or pew?) and think that by going to a different location that God somehow appreciates you more!

(sheesh - religious people!)

Only the Priests and deacons pray at the alter at my Church.

It's not a Catholic custom to pray at the alter. So I really don't know what belief practices that.

Jesus siad to "pray in your closet rather than to be seen of men"

Religions and peists defile the whole thing " the time will come when true worshippers will worship our Father in spirit"

so everyone can see them pray and know how pious they are