Recently started a monthly prayer group with 3 young men - former students, now college grads. One of us is gay and affirming. 2 others are straight. I& #39;m gay, Side B, celibate. It felt like family in all the best ways.

There& #39;s no agenda at prayer group. There& #39;s not much theology, no stated accountability, no goal besides praying for each other and seeking the goodness of Jesus together.

We prayed for rest, and silently rested in the Spirit& #39;s richness. We prayed for each other - for reminders of the Lord& #39;s love. For strength in a hard season.

There were a lot of smiles, and a lot of warmth when it was done. These guys fill my life and make my celibacy beautiful. As they pursue relationships, I& #39;ll pray for their partners, attend their weddings, invite them to dinner.

It& #39;s a gift to belong to the Church. I wish we& #39;d treat each other like that - like a gift that God gives us.