“Ashes and Altars”

“Lord… if You’re still near, don’t let me disappear…”

I built my altar out of pain and pride
Lit every match just to feel alive
Echoes of love that never stayed
Now I lie down in the bed I made

My hands are stained with lesser things
Temporary highs that clipped my wings
The screen went black, but shame stayed lit
I keep relapsing… then I repent

I’ve prayed with hollow lungs
Cried out with shaking hands
Still hoping grace remembers
Where this broken soul stands



I’m still breathing in the smoke and the flame
Still whispering the Holy Name
I’ve walked through fire, walked through lies
But something sacred still survives

I’m not clean, but I’m not gone
A prodigal still pressing on
If You hear me through the thunder…
Let me rise from this hunger


I’ve chased the ghosts that never gave
Tried to drown my thoughts in darker waves
Pleasure wore a crown of thorns
And every night, I’m left more torn

I cover mirrors when I fall
Can’t bear to face the quiet crawl
But somewhere deep beneath the sin
A child still knocks to be let in

Not asking for a throne
Not claiming I deserve
Just need to feel the mercy
That I read, that I heard

I’m still breathing in the smoke and the flame
Still calling out the Sacred Name
I’ve starved in silence, fed on fear
But I’m not gone — I’m still right here

You saw me crumble, watched me fall
But never let me lose it all
If redemption is a whisper…
Then speak now, through this shiver

I tried to run, I tried to hide
But even my shame can’t outpace Your light
I burned my offerings in regret…
But maybe You’re not finished yet

I’m still breathing, I still fight
With every sin, I seek the Light
Still drowning in unanswered years
But I’m alive — I’m still right here

These ashes don’t define my name
Your altar still burns through the shame
If grace is real, if You still care…
Then meet me now… in this prayer

Ashes fall… but the altar stands…
One more breath… in mercy’s hands…

rock, punk, emo, nu metal, metal, alternative rock