David Wilkerson's Powerful Prayer at Age 12

   I don't know how many of you have ever read 'The Cross and the Switchblade' by David Wilkerson, but he gives an account of how God impressed on his heart to 'go help the boys in the inner city of NYC'. Through a few difficulties, he obeyed and many gangsters came to Christ and were changed forever. I would highly recommend reading this book. Another good one which ties in is 'Run, Baby Run' by Nicky Cruz, a former gangster who had a radical conversion while sitting in a meeting led by David Wilkerson.
   I want to write though about an incident in 'The Cross and the Switchblade' which probably was one of the greatest encouragements to David to live a life of faith in a God who does the impossible.
   When David was 12, his grandfather challenged him to pray believing God would answer. David didn't really understand what the point was until one day he was faced with a choice. It was a matter of life and death for his father.
   David's father had been ill with a chronic intestinal problems for many years. On his way home from school, David heard ambulances and when he got closer to his house, he realized that is where they were headed. He could hear the screams of his father even from far away.
  David got home. He was not allowed in the bedroom where his dad was. His mom came out and David asked her if his dad were going to die. She replied that the doctors give him about two more hours. The sheets and bedding were saturated with blood.
   David remembered what his grandfather told him about prayer. "David, do you dare to pray for help when you are in trouble?"" David, the day you learn to be publicly specific in your prayers, is the day you will learn power." David's grandfather was a man of prayer. What would David do? Would he believe God would heal his dad if he prayed? What if nothing happened? David chose not to pray. At least not out loud. He ran away to the basement and shut himself up in the coal bin. He prayed loud prayers which he felt made up for the lack of faith he had. What David didn't realize was that there were pipes throughout the house from this coal bin. Everyone in the house heard his prayers.
   David's dad called for David. David was brought into the room. David's dad asked David's mom to read a passage from Matthew 21:22 and she read it. Faith welled up in David and he went over to his father and laid his hands on his forehead. "Jesus, I believe what You said. Make Daddy well" David prayed. It was amazing what happened next.
   The doctor came in and analyzed David's dad. He said, "Kenneth, how do you feel?" "I feel like strength is welling up in me" replied David's father. Kenneth Wilkerson was completely healed that day. The doctor was completely amazed. And David no longer doubted God's promises anymore.
    For more works of God in David Wilkerson's life, please read, 'The Cross and the Switchblade' which you can purchase on amazon.com. For an audio version of the book, go to  Christianaudio.com