Sanctification literally means to be set apart for special use or purpose, that is, to make holy or sacred.   

                  The concept of sanctification is widespread among religions, but is perhaps especially common among the various branches of Christianity. The term can be used to refer to objects which are set apart for special purposes, but the most common use within Christian theology is in reference to the change brought about by God in a believer, begun at the point of salvation or and continuing throughout the life of the believer. Many forms of Christianity believe that this process will only be completed in Heaven, but some believe that complete holiness is possible in this life. Protestants call the completion of sanctification "glorification".

                   In the contemporary Holiness movement, the understanding that holiness is relational is growing. In relational holiness, the core notion is love. Other notions of holiness, such as purity, being set apart, perfection, keeping rules, and total commitment, are seen as contributory notions of holiness. These contributory notions find their ultimate legitimacy when love is at their core.

                 John Wesley, founder of Methodism, taught what is known as "entire sanctification," or "Christian perfection." He taught that by the power of God's sanctifying grace and through a person’s attention upon the means of grace, a Christian may be cleansed of the corrupting influence of original sin in this life and one’s heart may be purified in motive and intent.  For Wesley and for Methodists in general, sanctification is a crisis and a life-long process, the beginning of both includes a deep and fervent desire to be holy, as God is holy. 

                  Are you willing to let God cleanse you?  Do you desire to have pure motives?  To love others as God loves them?  Even though you’re a Christian, do you still struggle with temptations and sins that seem unable to be overcome?  If so, you are searching for sanctification.

                  The following prayer is a great guide in asking God to sanctify you:

                  “Lord Jesus, I recognize my need for holiness and the desire of my heart is to please you.  Purify me of all that is unlike You, fill me with Your Holy Spirit until I am totally Yours, and set me apart for Your purposes from this day forward.”