Lyrics of 'Altar/Hammer/Feel Nails' by Ray Boltz

The service is nearing an end
The choir is singing "Just As I Am"
And now as that old song is played
People at the altar are kneeling down to pray
Some are finding mercy
Forgiveness for their sin
Some are fighting battles
They've been struggling to win
The time has come to give them to the Lord
That's what this altar is for

That's what this altar is for
You don't have to carry those burdens anymore
There's a light in the darkness
And there's a love that's true
And Jesus is waiting
Waiting here for you
Go quickly now before they close the door
That's what this altar is for
I see a father is praying with his son

Momma kneels beside them
Thanking God they've come
There's an old man standing there in tears
Giving up a part of him
He's held back for years
Hearts are being broken
Lives are being changed
And those who call upon Him
They will never be the same
The time has come to give in to the Lord
That's what this altar is for

That's what this altar is for
You don't have to carry those burdens anymore
There's a light in the darkness
And there's a love that's true
And Jesus is waiting
He is waiting here for you
Go quickly now before they close the door

You can give your burdens to the Lord
That's what this altar is for
---
I was in the crowd the day that Jesus died
And as He hung upon that cross His mother cried
I saw the crown of thorns He wore
The stripes on His back
The water and the blood ran out
And then the sky turned black
My mind was filled with anger
My heart filled with shame
This man brought only healing
Well who could bring Him pain
Why does it seem the strong
They always victimize the weak
And suddenly I found myself
Standing to my feet

CHORUS:
And I cried
Who nailed Him there
This Child of peace and mercy
Who nailed Him there
Come and face me like a man
Who nailed Him there
And the crowd began to mock me
I cried Oh my God I just don't understand
Then I turned and saw the hammer
In my hand!

I am just a Roman soldier
An ordinary man
I love my wife and children
I do the best I can
But how could I have killed Him
There must be someone else
I got to find an answer
I can't blame myself

CHORUS

I nailed Him there
This Child of peace and mercy
I nailed Him there
I am the guilty man
I nailed Him there
With my sins and my transgressions
I cried Oh my God now I understand
When I turned and saw that hammer…
In my hand!
---
Does He still feel those nails
Every time I fail
Does He hear the crowd cry crucify again and again
Am I causing Him pain
Then I know I've got to change
Cause I can't bear the thought of hurting Him

For He is
Holy holy holy is the Lord
Holy holy holy is the Lord

Holy holy holy is the Lord
Holy holy holy is the Lord

He is holy
Jesus is holy
Holy is the Lord
Holy holy holy is the Lord