- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Jesus' Prayer
David Wilkerson
David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
Download
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound truth that Jesus prayed for all believers, including us, during His time on earth, as recorded in John 17. This prayer has not been forgotten; it remains a powerful intercession on God's altar, ensuring our salvation and ongoing relationship with Him. Wilkerson highlights that Jesus continues to intercede for transgressors, demonstrating His unchanging priesthood and ability to save to the uttermost. He encourages believers to recognize the significance of Jesus' prayers, which have been at work throughout history, impacting lives and leading many to salvation. Ultimately, no one can escape the reach of Christ's prayers, as they are a constant source of hope and redemption.
Scriptures
Jesus' Prayer
John 17 is all about Jesus' prayers for His disciples and His people, for those who followed Him and believed in Him. Yet, Jesus prayed not only for His followers, but ". . . for them also which shall believe on me through [the disciples'] word" (verse 20). What a powerful truth! Jesus' phrase, "them also which shall believe on me," includes you and me. Jesus was praying for us when He walked this earth in the flesh. Centuries ago we were on His mind. He even recorded this prayer in His Word, knowing we would be reading it. He wants us to know He was interceding for us to the Father. Beloved, this prayer which Jesus prayed for us did not vanish into thin air. It has been burning on God's altar all this time and God has accepted His Son's prayer for each of us. Our salvation is the result of Jesus' prayers. We are in Him today because God answered His prayer for us. "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:24-25). Right now Jesus is praying for transgressors who haven't yet turned to Him. Scripture says He can save to the uttermost — meaning "to the end of time" — all who will ever come to Him. Throughout my years in ministry I have seen many drug addicts and alcoholics get gloriously saved. Each time I would think, "This one had to have a praying mother or interceding grandmother somewhere in the past. God is answering those holy warriors' prayers." Now I see something better than that, something far more powerful and effective. It wasn't just a mother or grandparent who was praying for those who now believe. Jesus was praying for them all along. "I pray for them . . . also which shall believe on me through [the disciples'] word" (John 17:9, 20). If you have been running from the Lord, you will never get away from His prayers. The Father answers His Son and all who resist Him are hardening their hearts to the prayers of Christ who prayed for them on earth, and is praying for them still.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.