A Prayer for a Church that Lingers
 

May we commit to staying "too long" after church,
lingering in conversations about family and fun and work and extracurricular activity schedules.

May our stomachs growl at us to move along. 

May we laugh with each other about the awkward moments, the cheesy jokes,  and the comedy specials we just watched.

May we cry with each other and listen well to each other's pain: sharing our difficulties, losses, regrets, and disappointments.

May we commit to serve one another and alongside one other, sharing meals and resources, bagging groceries and moving fridges. 

May we make plans to get lunch, play disc golf, watch soccer games, and attend events.

May we commit to expanding our circles and our conversations to include those we haven't before.

And may our parking lot always empty slowly.

Amen