By my definition, prayer is consciously hanging out with God. Being with God in a deliberate way.

However one might pray - in any verbal way or completely without words - is unimportant to God. What matters is the heart's intent.

Jesus is an example. We have other examples, including many of our ancestors as role models who understood the inner meaning of our orientation.

I find Jesus my confidant and companion, brother and savior; our relationship is intimate, vulnerable, demanding yet comfortable and reassuring.

Our essential differences from the norm are both huge and deeply offensive to those among us who wish to be quietly integrated into society without particular reference to our nature.

Our prayers must spring from the indigenous soil of our own personal confrontation with the Spirit of God in our lives.

Five days a week I drive from our home to the Episcopal Cathedral Center of Los Angeles where I have an office, my computer, and a wonderful sense of community - especially nurtured by the presence of several younger gay men and women who are good friends.