I will send the Comforter to you. And He, when He is come, will convict the world in respect of sin. -John 1:7, 8.
God's one desire, the one object of Christ's being manifested, is to take away sin. The first work of the Spirit on the world is conviction of sin. Without that, no deep or abiding revival, no powerful conversion. Pray for it, that the gospel may be preached in such power of the Spirit, that men may see that they have rejected and ,crucified Christ, and cry out, What shall we do? Pray most earnestly for a mighty power of conviction of sin wherever the gospel is preached.
How to Pray – Stir Up Yourself to Take Hold of God 's Strength
Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me. -Isa. 27:5.
There is none that calleth upon Thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee. -Isa. 64:7.
Stir up the gift of God which is in thee. -2 Tim. 1:6.
First, take hold of God's strength. God is a Spirit. I cannot take hold of Him, and hold Him fast, but by the Spirit. Take hold of God's strength, and hold on till it has done for you what He has promised. Pray for the power of the Spirit to convict of sin.
Second, stir up yourself – the power is in you by the Holy Spirit — to take hold. Give your whole heart and will to it, and say, I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me.
Special Petitions