I have personally observed that the issue of detachment can keep us from hearing what God wants in a matter. Detachment might be, you sense an issue in an area because of a personal connection, or through some other connection.
My observation is that sometimes it is important to take the time to connect when praying—either by visiting the sight, or finding a way to connect—it may be needed to make friends with people in the area—or buy property in the area—or other involvement with something that has happened or affected the area that is personal to you.
I do not know scripture which can document this observation, but it is my personal observation that this is what does happen. I am looking for scripture that may shed light on this observation, and I share my observation about detachment seeking through this group of people who love to pray, help to find scripture that may relate to what I have observed.
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I'm not sure if I understand this question correctly, but here's a thought: Praying Scripture given by the Lord for a place/people usually results in breaking down detachment.
An example is Ps 122:1-2, 6-9 BSB re the city of Jerusalem:
1I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
2Our feet are standing in your gates,
O Jerusalem.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you prosper.
7May there be peace within your walls,
and prosperity inside your fortresses.”
8For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Jesus sent out the disciples - described in Matt 10:5-15
12As you enter the house, greet it. 13And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it...
Praying for peace for a specific place/person is always good.
John 14:27 NIV Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Hope this helps somewhat.
I received notes from several who attempted to shed some light on this deep question. Here are my notes on their responses, which I appreciated their taking time to send me. I sincerely thank them for send me thoughts on this discussion. I have not been quick to respond because I took time to reflect on what was shared.
One person shared about Colossians 2 verses 16-23. Those verses spoke about false humility and how that separates us from our connection to Christ.
That person went on to share about our need to hear the word and understand it. Christ put the call to all to come to Him. See Matthew 11:28. In John 15: 4-5 the Bible speaks about remaining in the vine.
Another person shared that Disconnection with God arises because
• of sin: Isaiah 59:2,
• pride: Luke 18:18
• wickedness: Prove 15:8
A third person shared the importance of seeking the Lord:
• Acts 15:28 is the goal ~ "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us"
• Matthew 7:7 is the process ~ "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
• Ask - not for "things" but for discernment, ears to hear
• Seek - so, stop, be silent, listen, search scripture
• Knock - when we hear/know/are certain... go through the door the Lord has identified/opened
A forth person shared Ps 122:1-2, 6-9 which speaks of going to the House of the Lord.
Finally, another person shared that there is a way to turn from self-focus to focusing on others. A verse given to me by Merv Witherup, an intercessor who lives in Hawaii, is Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Discussion:
Perhaps the disconnect we see in our culture, where we do not connect with each other, revolves around sin issues of pride and self-focus or other sin issues. Sin issues keep us from having a close fellowship with the Lord. Those items also can keep us from connecting with the Lord and each other. It is possible that when we do not fully connect with the Lord, that we go our own way, Isaiah 53:6, which could be a root of an independent spirit, that keeps us from connecting with each other.
Reflecting on all of these scriptures listed above—a few points emerge that can help us connect and genuinely take an interest in each other.
One is abiding in the Lord. This was the subject of a number of the verses that were sent to me answering the question about connection and disconnection. When we abide in Christ, we grow in our relationship with Him, and a result of our abiding in the Lord might help us take an interest in the other person. This is a conclusion drawn from understanding that God has drawn us to himself. James 4:8. There are many examples of this in the New Testament where Christ sought out people. For us, it could be taking an interest in someone’s family and children, it could be an interest in their work, or it could be taking an interest in their personal interests. The principle of taking an interest in the other person is a way of showing that person that they are important.
Examining this subject further, apparently there is a major disconnect—when we do not follow the Philippians 2:3 approach. That approach is esteeming others better than ourselves. What often happens? Instead of following the Philippians 2:3 approach, we pray about what interests us. We focus on what interests us. We place importance on what interests us. We do not take time to encourage others because of our self-focus or our ministry focus. Essentially, our self-focus keeps us from really connecting with others.
Following the principle in Philippians 2:3, we need to take an interest in the other person. I have met some who have done this and appreciate them. For some time, I have sensed the Lord encouraging me to do this also. Taking interest in others is following the example of Christ—especially when it comes from a pure heart focused on Christ.
Praying together is another way to connect. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them—Matthew 18:20. Christ wants us to come together. It has been said that praying together can connect—still I have experienced praying together with others involved in ministry and have not seen connection. It seemed that unless that praying was for their ministry, and they did not connect or try to others. Such praying left me feeling empty. It is possible that we become so encumbered with the concerns of our ministry, or problems, that we do fail to see others around us and the opportunity to connect with them and encourage them. What would happen if we did pray for the other person above our own needs? That is a challenging question, and one that I believe the answer would be—that God would reach to us and meet our need as we reached out to others.
I have seen some groups make an effort to connect with each other—this is following the example of Philippians 2:3. In this approach, we do connect.
From what has been shared, in order to connect, we must take the steps to restore fellowship, abide in Christ, and make the effort to connect Phil 2:3.
We cannot depend on the other person to make it happen. Yes, connecting takes effort and sometimes it takes humbling ourselves and clearing issues between others, then letting the Lord help us to restore connection with another person. It may take clearing sin issues in our life. When we do, we will be free to take an interest in others and encourage them in the Lord.
It is when we abide in the Lord that we can really connect with others.
These are just some thoughts, and again, I genuinely appreciate what others have shared on this subject.