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 | YoutubeGuest: Ryan Skoog, Co-Founder & President of Venture.org, Author of Lead with PrayerRyan Skoog: https://www.leadwithprayer.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/ryanskoog/This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine AlternativesGet back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/Episode Highlights(00:09) – Welcome & IntroductionReagan introduces Ryan Skoog, co-founder and president of Venture.org, entrepreneur, author of Lead with Prayer, and father of three. Ryan shares about his family, including the adoption of their daughter from Myanmar.(02:00) – Childhood Fear & Angel EncounterRyan 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 ExplodingRyan explains how the church is growing faster today than at any point in history, especially in places considered unsafe, unreached, and under-resourced.Stories of persecution and martyrdomJesus film at 19,000 ft in the HimalayasMiracles paralleling the Book of Acts(07:30) – The Birth of VentureHow a cross-country bike ride with no money and no plan sparked a movement. What started as raising $16,000 turned into over $65 million raised, 15,000 house churches planted, and 87 million meals delivered to war refugees.(10:30) – Learning from the Global ChurchRyan challenges Western believers to sit at the feet of persecuted Christians:Joy in sufferingRadical obediencePrayer as the first strategy, not the last resort(12:30) – The Power of Prayer in LeadershipRyan 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 StoryOne 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 JesusFrom war zones to Wall Street, Ryan highlights how true prayer is rooted in relationship:Francis Chan: walking with Jesus as a friendA New York financier blocking time to “waste time with God”Mother Teresa: “He just sits there with me.”(19:16) – Walking with God DailyReagan reflects on her own prayer walks and how they mirror the global church’s simple yet profound practice of abiding in Christ.20:59Walking with God: A Return to EdenRyan 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.”21:35Not a Prayer Time—A Crafted Day with GodRyan shares how influential leaders don’t schedule a prayer time—they build a lifestyle of constant presence.21:56The Bell Tower PracticeInspired by a 17th-century decree to ring church bells hourly, Ryan suggests creating your own daily reminders to stop and remember: God is with you.22:30Campfire with Jesus: Evening ReflectionEvening routines mirror Jesus and his disciples reviewing the day together. Ryan's family developed a practice of nightly communion.23:14Crisis & Nightmares: The Catalyst for ChangeDuring 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 ...