Pastors and the liturgy
Why do the pastors turn their backs on the congregation when they pray during service?
The altar in a church reminds us of how all the Old Testament sacrifices on an altar pointed ahead to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and “that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
For New Testament worshipers, the altar in a church also represents the presence of God through Word and sacraments. For this reason, a pastor will face the altar when he speaks to God with worshipers or for worshipers. A pastor will face the congregation when he speaks for God, as in announcing the forgiveness of sins.
God has not commanded that pastors conduct the liturgy in this manner. These are practices that the Christian Church has developed in Christian freedom, but these practices are meaningful when we understand what is behind them.