There is an awakening of conscience. There is conviction of sin. People are given an immediate revelation of God's glory and of their own sinfulness and inadequacy before him. In some cases, people for blocks around are confronted with their own sin and God's majesty. An awesome fear of God and His judgment comes upon everyone.
Revivals bring the individual face to face with the eternal questions of one's nature and destiny.
This is accompanied by deep distress over one's wickedness. The urge to pray, especially for salvation, is irresistible. There are sometimes manifestations of shaking or trembling. People therefore seek forgiveness from God through Christ's shed blood. This is accompanied with joy and peace.