Listening Groups(LGs)are an important element of the Urban Abbey. LGs are small groups of five to six people who have joined the Urban Abbey and committed to its Rule of Life. All members agree to support each other by meeting on a regular basis for prayer and sharing about how the rule is impacting their spirituality. They are called Listening Groups because the format of the group encourages participants to listen to God for themselves and each other. LGs are designed to give the precious gift of silence,deep listening and speaking about what God might be saying from that silence for the person who is sharing. The intention of the LGs is to provide time and space where members of the Urban Abbey are given the opportunity and supported in their efforts to actively seek God, hear God leading in their own lives and where God's spirit is given free rein.