Restoring the Family Altar: How Prayer & Worship Break Strongholds

As I began to study this topic, I did a double take. Because the topic suggests that 1) we know what a family altar is, 2) we understand the importance of having a family altar 3) we had a family altar that was broken and we want to restore it and 4) we acknowledge the ingredients necessary to get back on track.

The family altar is a sacred place, whether literal or symbolic, where families gather to seek God, worship, and intercede for one another. 


In a world filled with distractions, maintaining this spiritual practice is crucial. 


Unfortunately, many families have allowed their altars to fall into disrepair. The demands of life, spiritual complacency, and the enemy’s tactics have weakened this essential practice. 


From the earliest times, families built altars to honour God. Genesis 12:7 (NLT) tells us, “Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’ And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” 


Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all built altars to commemorate encounters with God, symbolizing dedication, worship, and divine relationship. These altars were not just piles of stones; they were declarations of dependence on God.


Though today we do not build literal altars, we can dedicate a specific area of our homes, or we can go to the altar at church to have prayer and worship. It is important to have this place where we meet with God and invite His presence into our homes and our lives. At the altar, we break strongholds and establish a foundation of faith for generations. 


So, if we find that everything is going haywire in our lives, it may just be that God is calling us to rebuild the family altar and restore what has been broken.


A restored family altar is a declaration that our homes belong to God. Joshua 24:15 (KJV) boldly proclaims, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 


This declaration stands as a spiritual stronghold against the forces of darkness. But how do we restore what has been neglected? What happens when the altar is rebuilt?


Prayer is one of the key foundations of the family altar. It is our divine weapon against the enemy’s attacks. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) reminds us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” 


When families pray together, they dismantle spiritual barriers, break generational curses, and invite God’s will into their homes.


Consider Daniel. Despite being in a pagan land, he remained committed to prayer. Daniel 6:10 (NLT) says, “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” 


His consistency sustained him and led to divine intervention. When families establish a rhythm of prayer, they create an atmosphere where God moves powerfully.


Alongside prayer, worship is another key ingredient in restoring the family altar. Worship is not just about singing, it is a heart posture that welcomes God into our homes. Psalm 22:3 (KJV) declares, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” 


When as families we engage in worship, we invite God’s presence, bringing peace, healing, and transformation.


A powerful example of worship shifting circumstances is found in 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NLT): “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.” 


Worship confuses the enemy and shifts battles in our favour. Families who worship together activate divine intervention in their homes.


But how do we practically rebuild the family altar? It requires intentionality. Here are a few practical steps:


1.Set a Dedicated Time for Family Prayer & Worship – Just as Daniel prayed three times a day, setting aside consistent time to seek God strengthens spiritual discipline.


2.Read Scripture Together – Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV) instructs, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house…” Speaking God’s Word in the home nurtures spiritual growth.


3.Share Testimonies & Encourage One Another – Revelation 12:11 (NLT) reminds us, “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” Sharing testimonies strengthens faith and reminds families of God’s faithfulness.


4.Worship Freely in Your Home – Encourage singing, instrumental worship, and spontaneous praise to create an atmosphere where God’s presence thrives. Psalm 150:3-6 (NLT): "Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp! Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes! Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!"


When families commit to restoring the altar, transformation follows. We will find that when we pray and worship together, there will be less arguments and confusion, as we occupy our time with the things of God.


Joel 2:25-26 (NLT) declares, “The Lord says, ‘I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts… Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the Lord your God.’” God restores what has been lost and brings healing when families seek Him together.


In Acts 16:25-26 (KJV), Paul and Silas prayed and worshiped in prison, and suddenly, the prison doors flung open. In the same way, prayer and worship can break the chains holding our families captive—whether it be division, fear, or generational bondage.


So restoring the family altar is not just a tradition; it is a spiritual necessity. Through prayer and worship, we invite God’s presence, break strongholds, and establish a legacy of faith. 


May our homes be places where God is honoured, His Word is upheld, and His power is demonstrated daily.


Let us commit today to rebuilding our family altars, and watch as God transforms our households for His glory.


aub - 28Mar25

www.zjoyvi.com

https://www.youtube.com/live/6-_oG5ib6os?si=rGAw1raYJrNfIh4B 

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