Breaking Demonic Chains Through Prayer (Ft. Ryan Skoog)

In this extraordinary episode Reagan talks with Ryan Skoog who is an author and the founder and president of VENTURE, a nonprofit that works in the toughest places of the world, serving war refugees, trafficked people, oppressed children, and the unreached. Ryan shares personal stories about encountering benevolent angels, the demonic, miracles of God and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ that has transformed his life to reach the darkest places of the world. Ryan co-authored the book, "Lead with Prayer" which has moved many around the world to use their faith in Christ to pray without ceasing for God's Kingdom to come to earth as it is in heaven. Ryan explains how the global church is exploding around the world even through persecution and intense evil and through the power of prayer people are encountering the love of Jesus as they get set free from the demonic chains of the enemy! This conversation will inspire you to see prayer not as an afterthought, but as the central strategy of the Christian life. Resources: More from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Youtube Guest: Ryan Skoog, Co-Founder & President of Venture.org, Author of Lead with Prayer Ryan Skoog: https://www.leadwithprayer.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/ryanskoog/ This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine Alternatives Get back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/ Episode Highlights (02:00) – Childhood Fear & Angel Encounter Ryan recalls growing up with intense anxiety until a supernatural angelic visitation changed his life: “I heard a voice say, I’m guarding your house. You don’t have to be afraid.” That encounter set him on a path of boldness—leading him into war zones, Bible smuggling, and fearless ministry. (04:30) – The Global Church Is Exploding Ryan explains how the church is growing faster today than at any point in history, especially in places considered unsafe, unreached, and under-resourced. (10:30) – Learning from the Global Church Ryan challenges Western believers to sit at the feet of persecuted Christians: (12:30) – The Power of Prayer in Leadership Ryan shares research revealing that many Western leaders pray less as they gain experience—contrary to Jesus’ example of withdrawing more often to be with the Father. The book Lead with Prayer was born out of hundreds of interviews with global leaders whose prayer lives looked remarkably similar. (15:00) – Mama Rose’s Story One of the most moving testimonies: a woman whose home was bombed seven times, who stared down a cobra while bombs fell, and who now cares for thousands of orphans. Her prayer habit? “I tithe my time—two and a half hours with Jesus every day.” (17:30) – Prayer as Friendship with Jesus From war zones to Wall Street, Ryan highlights how true prayer is rooted in relationship: (19:16) – Walking with God Daily Reagan reflects on her own prayer walks and how they mirror the global church’s simple yet profound practice of abiding in Christ. 20:59 Walking with God: A Return to Eden Ryan reflects on Genesis and Acts 3, describing how sin interrupted our walk with God—and how Christ restores it. “Repent and believe… so the cool of the day may return.” 23:14 Crisis & Nightmares: The Catalyst for Change During COVID, Ryan’s business collapsed—and his daughter was tormented by terrifying nightmares connected to their ministry. 24:08 “You’ve Never Cried Alone” Ryan recounts an emotional encounter with Jesus. He sees Christ weeping with him—a moment that reveals the deep empathy of God. 28:25 Jesus Weeps With Us The host reflects on a past ministry experience where someone saw Jesus weeping with a rape survivor—prompting a powerful conversation on the mystery of suffering and Christ’s compassion. “Jesus is weeping with you. He continually intercedes for us.” 30:28 Adoption, War, and Jesus’ Presence Ryan shares the harrowing story of adopting a girl whose father was tortured in Myanmar. After surviving unimaginable trauma, she experienced a healing vision of Jesus telling her: “You’re safe now.” 31:55 From Night Terrors to Peace Since that moment with Jesus, she has not had a single night terror. Though still healing, the transformation began in one moment of divine presence. 32:18 God's Special Grace for the Vulnerable Ryan and the host reflect on how children—especially those with special needs or trauma—often experience heaven in unique, personal ways. “Why would we think otherwise? Our God is so good.” 33:22 Karma vs. the Gospel: Identity and Worth in Nepal Ryan explains how Hindu and Buddhist worldviews contribute to generational oppression and trafficking—especially among the Badi people in Nepal, known nationally as “the trafficked caste.” “Until the gospel comes in and transforms their identity… they believe they deserve to be abused.” 34:48 The Gospel is Exploding Despite deep-rooted oppression, the gospel is transforming hearts around the world. One academic missions expert summed it up: “Jesus is crushing it.” 36:47 When Prayer Doesn’t Make Sense (But You Obey Anyway) Even when the Spirit’s answer seems illogical, obedience is the path of wisdom and safety. 38:13 When Partners Are Imprisoned or Martyred Heart-wrenching updates from global partners, some of whom are jailed or martyred for sharing the gospel. “We created a separate fund for the widows of martyred and imprisoned partners.” 38:46 Their Prayer: Let the Gospel Go Fast Despite persecution, these leaders pray not for safety but for speed—that the good news would spread rapidly. 40:02 Stop Selling, Start Loving The global church models evangelism not as performance or pressure, but as presence, prayer, and love. “In America, we don’t pray as much and feel like we need to be salesmen.” 40:36 — Neuroscience and Prayer Habits Research shows: 20 minutes of prayer a day for 8 weeks can literally rewire your brain—reducing fear, anxiety, and increasing joy and openness. “Our bodies are wired to fight prayer. We have to train them.” 41:49 — Free Prayer Tools Ryan mentions free downloadable prayer habit cards at LeadWithPrayer.com, designed to help individuals, families, and ministries build consistent, life-giving prayer rhythms. 43:06 — Fighting for His Daughter in Prayer Ryan shares a personal, vulnerable story of laying face-down outside his daughter’s room for months, praying for breakthrough. “I don’t know why it took so long—but there is a war.” 43:45 — Spiritual Battles Are Real A chilling moment of spiritual connection: a man in South East Asia has identical nightmares to Ryan’s daughter—confirming they were fighting the same battle from across the world. “We were fighting together.” 46:22 — With Him, Either Way Whether through cancer, trauma, or unanswered prayer, being with Jesus is always the goal. The joy of the global church often comes from this eternal mindset. “If the goal of life is to be like Jesus, then cancer was finishing school.” 47:57 — Your Kids Aren’t Your Own Surrendering your children to God’s leadership is painful—but essential. Whether it’s through a miracle or a challenge, they are gifts to steward. “The gifts are both miracles and challenges.” 52:04 — Intimacy Through Surrender The most profound joy comes not from ease, but from intimacy with God in suffering. Every story in Lead With Prayer ends the same way: it was worth it, because He was there. “Desire His presence… even when you don’t know what’s next.” 🔎 Scripture References Psalm 23: God’s shift from “He” to “You” in the valley Romans 8:34: Christ “intercedes for us” Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these…” Acts 3: (from Part 1) Restoring the walk with God Become Part of Our Mission! 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