The altar is a place of renewal. God instructed Joshua to renew the Jewish law of circumcision after the Isrealites forsook it during their journey through the wilderness. He obeyed. Do you need to renew vows to God. 

The altar is a place of spiritual inventory. When the prophet Isaiah saw in a vision his Lord high and lifted up on His thrown, he fell on his face and said, "Woe is me."  He saw his need of a trip to the altar to see who he really was in God's sight.

How long has it been since you opened your heart to God and took inventory of patience, compassion or love for one another? The following song is appropriate.

Search me oh God, and know my heart today
Try me oh Savior, know my thoughts I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free

Meeting God on His terms is an altar experience. You can do it at home, at church, or while driving down the road.