The patriarchs, prophets and kings of the Old Testament constructed altars unto the Lord. Early altars were built from unhewn stone.
The altars were used for burnt sacrifices and offerings. They were also used for prayer, worship, covenants and as memorials unto the Lord.
* * *
And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
Genesis 8:20
* * *
And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
Genesis 12:7
* * *
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it, The LORD is my banner:
Exodus 17:15
* * *
The Temple in Jerusalem had two altars. The first was the Altar of Burnt Offerings. The second was the Altar of Incense.
* * *
Jesus Christ gave his own life as the ultimate sacrifice for mankind.
We can construct our own “spiritual altars” unto the Lord by taking time each day to pray, study the scriptures and ponder His grace and mercy. Upon these same altars we can lay our offerings of service to the Lord and to our fellow man.
As David wrote:
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart. (Psalm 51:7)
* * *
6) Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
7) Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
2 Nephi 2
* * *
The Prophet Joseph Smith described offering “your whole soul” as serving God with all your “heart, might, mind and strength” (Doctrine & Covenants 4:2). It is to put on the altar of God your time, talents, gifts and blessings, your willingness to serve, to do all that He asks.
– Elaine L. Jack, “A Small Stone,” April 1997
* * *
– Tom Irvine