Teach Us to Pray with Todd Kangas
Episode Summary
In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory are joined by Todd Kangas, disciple-maker and prayer practitioner, for a conversation about healing prayer, hearing God's voice, and the courage to step into the mission of Jesus. As part of the Teach Us to Pray series, Todd reflects on a lifetime of learning to pray with expectancy—from his own conversion during the Jesus Movement to decades of praying for healing in workplaces, gyms, neighborhoods, and everyday conversations. Along the way, he shares stories of God's faithfulness while honestly wrestling with the mystery of unanswered prayers and the reality of suffering.
This episode explores how prayer flows from a deep confidence in God's love and an identity rooted in Christ. Todd, Brian, and Cory discuss listening prayer, overcoming the fear of man, and the simple obedience of joining the Holy Spirit wherever He is already at work.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Healing Prayer Begins with Believing Jesus
Todd's passion for healing prayer began even before becoming a Christian as he longed to experience the miracles he read about in Scripture.
After coming to faith, John 14:12 became foundational: "Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing."
Rather than explaining away Jesus' words, Todd simply believed them and began stepping out in faith.
Prayer for healing is not about our power but about trusting the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus' ministry through His followers.
2. Faith Grows Through Practice
Todd's first experience praying for healing came shortly after becoming a Christian when he modeled what he had just seen others do.
After witnessing someone healed at work, coworkers began asking for prayer themselves.
Like any spiritual gift, hearing God's voice and praying for others grows through obedience and repetition.
Confidence is built by stepping out in faith, not by waiting until every question is answered.
3. Healing Prayer Is an Expression of Love
Whether someone experiences physical healing or not, Todd wants every person to leave knowing they are deeply loved by Jesus.
He acknowledges the reality that not everyone is healed and shares stories of praying faithfully for people who ultimately passed away.
Scripture presents both miraculous healing and faithful suffering, and followers of Jesus are called to remain compassionate in both.
Prayer is never about proving a formula—it is about loving people well and trusting God with the outcome.
4. Listening Prayer Leads to Missional Living
Todd's prayer life is rooted in listening before acting.
Drawing from John 5:20, he regularly asks God:
"Who do You want me to pray for today?"
"What are You already doing?"
God often leads through impressions, Scripture, dreams, and simple promptings that become opportunities to encourage, pray for, and disciple others.
Listening prayer positions believers to partner with God's work rather than creating their own agenda.
5. Prayer Belongs in Everyday Places
Todd intentionally prays for people at the gym, in conversations, at work, and throughout daily life.
Several stories illustrate how simple acts of obedience opened doors for healing, meaningful conversations, and Discovery Bible Studies.
Rather than waiting for church services, Todd sees everyday environments as places where God's Kingdom advances.
Healing prayer becomes one of many ways Jesus opens hearts to discipleship.
6. Identity Frees Us from the Fear of Man
Todd reflects on a painful season of spiritual abuse that ultimately deepened his understanding of his identity in Christ.
Knowing he is fully loved by the Father gave him freedom to risk rejection and pray boldly for others.
He reminds listeners that the Father's love for believers is the same love He has for Jesus (John 15:9).
Secure identity produces courageous obedience because our confidence comes from God's approval, not people's opinions.
Final Thoughts
Healing prayer is not reserved for a select few—it is an invitation for every follower of Jesus to love people, listen to God's voice, and faithfully respond. Whether through miraculous healing, compassionate presence, or simple obedience, God delights in working through ordinary disciples who are willing to step out in faith.
