Sanctify

To sanctify means to make something holy or sacred; to purify or consecrate it for religious or spiritual purposes. This can involve setting something apart for divine service, dedicating it to a higher power, or imbuing it with a sense of reverence and spiritual significance. Sanctification can also pertain to the act of purifying oneself morally or spiritually, freeing from sin, or undergoing a process of spiritual growth and development. It implies a transformation from the profane to the sacred, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, often through rituals, prayers, or acts of devotion, it is a process of elevating something or someone to a state of holiness or virtue, involving spiritual cleansing and consecration.

Sanctify meaning with examples

• The priest, during the ceremony, sanctified the chapel by sprinkling holy water and reciting prayers, dedicating the space entirely to the worship of God and separating it from secular use. The congregation witnessed the transformation, feeling a surge of reverence within the newly blessed walls. This act of dedication elevated the space.
• Before entering the sacred temple, pilgrims undertook a ritual cleansing process, believing that they needed to sanctify themselves, both physically and spiritually, to prepare to encounter the divine presence within. Their intention was to enter with pure hearts. This preperation for worship was the crucial act.
• The artist, in their process, sought to sanctify the mundane materials, such as clay or canvas, by imbuing them with profound meaning through skillful creation. They aimed to transcend the ordinary. Each stroke of paint elevated it to a reflection of beauty, elevating the ordinary.
• Through years of dedicated prayer and acts of charity, the hermit hoped to sanctify his life, seeking a path of spiritual elevation and inner peace. He hoped to be closer to the creator, to remove sin from his path. It was a long journey of purification through devotion.
• Following a period of intense reflection and repentance, the individual felt they were starting to sanctify their actions and thoughts. This was done through acts of contrition and humility. They were turning away from past behaviors. Their change would redefine them in a moral and spiritual direction.