- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Blessings Beyond Our Comprehension
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 that while the church often proclaims 'God answers prayer,' the deeper truth is that 'God overanswers prayer.' He illustrates this through the example of Israel, who, despite their backsliding, returned to God with a simple plea for mercy. In response, God not only forgave them but also promised abundant blessings and revival, demonstrating His overwhelming grace. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize how God has similarly overanswered their prayers, providing them with a deeper relationship with Jesus and a vibrant spiritual life.
Scriptures
Blessings Beyond Our Comprehension
One of the most often-heard phrases in the church is, "God answers prayer!" Yet that is only half the truth. The whole truth is, "God overanswers prayer!" Take the children of Israel, for example. Essentially, Hosea prophesied to Israel, “You’re backslidden but you’re still God’s people. Now, return to the Lord and pray.” “Take words with you, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, ‘Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously’” (Hosea 14:2). Their prayer was simple; all Israel asked God to do was have mercy on them. God responded, “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall grow like the lily, and lengthen his roots like Lebanon. His branches shall spread; his beauty shall be like an olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon” (Hosea 14:4-6). The dew of heaven is the presence of the Lord. Up to this point, there had been drought; everything was dying because God’s favor had been taken away. But now, because of true repentance and a heartfelt prayer, God said he would cause life to spring up on all sides. Israel would not only be forgiven, but revived. They would grow, become well-rooted, spread out and thrive. All they asked for was mercy, forgiveness and acceptance. But God opened the windows of heaven and poured on them blessings they dared not even hope for. God largely over-answered their prayer! Beloved, God has done the same for you. When you repented, all you asked for from God was a clean heart, forgiveness and peace. Yet look at how he has answered you. He gave you a hungering heart and a thirst for more of Jesus. He gave you eyes to see, ears to hear, and a love for him and his people. Jesus has become your morning dew and he waters your soul daily with his Word. You are growing — not dead or dying — and are very much alive in him. 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.