Emerging artist Anna Golden's new album Church takes listeners on her journey from pain to victory, influenced by therapy and faith. Anna recorded the album live at her home church in Dallas, combining pop, rock, gospel, and contemporary music. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics resonate with a message of hope and spirituality.
Her recent song, “At The Altar,” invites listeners to open their hearts to the album's central themes: finding community, forgiveness, letting go of fear and anxiety, wrestling with perfectionism, and more. Anna spoke about the album, sharing insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind tracks like "At The Altar."
The Story Behind the Song
Anna grew up listening to her parents create and perform worship music as a child. This inspired her to pursue a career in ministry, and she eventually became a full-time worship leader at her church.
Anna said in a press release, “I remember reading a quote, ‘When you’re healed, you remember things differently.’ I saw this start in my heart through the Holy Spirit, a healthy community, and pastors who love Jesus.”
She continued: “I have loved God’s house since I was a little girl, but there were moments over working in full-time ministry for ten years that can break your heart. For this record, the Lord took me back to the beginning with the church I grew up in, remembering how that was the first place I ever saw Christ personified through imperfect people trying to look like Jesus. I remembered where I fell in love with God’s house and why.”
This song is about having the faith to come as you are and praying that God will meet you at the altar.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG): "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Psalm 37:4-5 (NIV): “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and he will do this.”
Psalm 33:20-22(MSG): “We’re depending on God; He’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy since we’ve taken for our own His holy name. Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.”
Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV): "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT): "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
Romans 12:2 (The Voice): "Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete."
Lyrics
Let’s go This is a holy moment The Spirit of God is this place It’s a divine appointment To meet with Him face to face This an invitation It’s no accident you’re here So, what are you waiting for? If you need a fresh touch, come running If you’re desperate for more If you need healing in your body Come on, come on If you need freedom from bondage If you need a child to come home If you need a miracle to happen Come on, come on Meet us at the altar Meet us at the altar Meet us at the altar This is an open heaven Where signs and wonders fall Drop what you’re holding on to And catch what he has in store Step out in expectation Your miracle is here So, what are you waiting for? If you need a fresh touch, come running If you’re desperate for more If you need healing in your body Come on, come on If you need freedom from bondage If you need a child to come home If you need a miracle to happen Come on, come on Meet us at the altar Meet us at the altar Meet us at the altar Whoa, oh I’m not leaving the same Not leaving the same Not leaving the same Come on, you say I’m not leaving the same Not leaving the same way I came in Say I’m not leaving the same Not leaving the same Not leaving the same I’m not leaving the same Not leaving the same way I came in I’m not leaving the same Not leaving the same Not leaving the same Oh, I prophetically declare that every encounter with the Lord I’ll never leave the same way I’m not leaving the same Not leaving the same Not leaving the same I’m not leaving the same Not leaving the same If you need a fresh touch, come running If you’re desperate for more If you need healing in your body Come on, come on If you need freedom from bondage If you need a child to come home If you need a miracle to happen Come on, come on Meet us at the altar Meet us at the altar Oh, Jesus at the altar Meet us at the altar
Closing Thoughts
Many of us struggle with the idea that our past and present mistakes are unforgivable, yet the Bible tells us that isn't true. Read the translation in The Message of Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus tells us: "Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." It’s fantastic to know that when we struggle with pain, pride, and unloving natures, we can lay it at the feet of Jesus.
“At The Altar” is a great song to sing to our Lord and Savior as a prayer of thanks and praise. This song celebrates the freedom we’re promised in God's Holy Word in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Believing the song’s lyrics are a great way to work on the disciplines of self-examination and prayer. Too often, we get wrapped up in our circumstances and get down on ourselves with negative thoughts, allowing the devil to define our self-worth. Jesus died on the cross to set us free from the battle of our minds, from sin and death. And He wants us to have abundant life in Him. What a wonderful, encouraging truth.
We all have lies that we believe about ourselves. Also, we have an enemy who doesn't like us. He does have a voice and speaks to us, but the voice of God's agape love speaks louder. This song encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us. What a great message of redemption; grace is an unmerited favor and a gift. When you abide in His grace, you won't be the same. His grace takes away anxiety, guilt, and shame. Know that being His is enough.
It's easy to compare yourself to others and feel like God is blessing someone else with something you want. We all must learn that God has us exactly where we're supposed to be now, even when we don't feel good enough. This idea leads to the lyrics of “At The Altar": “If you need a fresh touch, come running/If you’re desperate for more/If you need healing in your body/Come on, come on!”
This song perfectly portrays the Good News of the Gospel. God accepts us no matter what we've done. Through our identity in Christ, we can be free from the burden of guilt, shame, and fear and live in freedom: “If you need freedom from bondage/If you need a child to come home/If you need a miracle to happen/Come on, come on/Meet us at the altar.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
