- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Does God Really Hear Your Prayers?
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
Topics
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson addresses the crucial question of whether God truly hears our prayers and is willing to answer them. He emphasizes that while many Christians affirm their belief in God's responsiveness, doubts often linger, especially during times of perceived silence from God. Using the parable of the persistent widow, Wilkerson illustrates the importance of tenacity in prayer, highlighting that if an unjust judge can be moved to action, how much more will a loving God respond to His children. He reassures believers that God is always good and has prepared blessings for those who trust Him, encouraging them to rejoice in their relationship with God.
Scriptures
Does God Really Hear Your Prayers?
Any believer who wishes to please God with his prayer life must first settle this question: “Does God really hear my prayers and will he answer?” While this appears to be a simple question — one that shouldn’t even need to be asked — most Christians would immediately answer, “Yes, of course I believe God answers my prayers.” But the simple fact is, many are not fully convinced. There are times when we feel that God is absent from our lives, that he is not listening to our cries. Questions and doubts exist deep within us and the Lord wants to settle them in our spirit. In Luke 18:2-8, Jesus spoke a parable about the persistent widow and the unjust judge to teach his disciples “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (18:1). In the Jewish community, a judge was expected to be impartial, but the judge in this story was incompetent and unqualified for the job. Justice definitely was not being served. According to Jewish law, widows deserve special protection under the justice system, but this judge ignored the widow who came to him. Nevertheless, she refused to give up and came before him so often that he lost patience with her and granted her request. This widow got the justice she was seeking because of her tenacity! Jesus explains in verse 8 that if an unfit, ungodly judge answers with justice in the end, how much more will our loving, holy Father give what is right to his children? Many Christians know that God has all they need, and they admit he cares, but they are not convinced he is willing to come quickly to help them. When God does not answer their cry right away, they imagine hindrances and inner blockages in themselves. And they think of all kinds of reasons the Lord must not be willing to come to their aid. “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You” (Psalm 31:19). Be assured that God has given you all you need to be free and victorious. Rejoice in the Lord for you are a delight to his soul. Hallelujah!
- 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.