You're listening to Encounter, a daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations

to help you encounter the divine presence of God throughout your day. Have you ever heard a crowd burst into applause?

At first, disordered, but then suddenly, in perfect unison.

One moment, chaotic. The next, a perfect synchronized beat.

Well, Dr. Strogatz at Cornell University studies synchronization, how people can begin clapping in a

disorganized way, but then without hearing a beat,

a beat begins to mysteriously emerge. Maybe because a few clappers get lucky,

and then those few clap in rhythm above the den of the disorganized rest,

then the pulse becomes stronger and stronger,

and then it takes off.

The theme of this meditation from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 is being united, living in unison, synchronized with each other, and being united living in unison synchronized with each other and being united with christ so to begin your meditation slip into a time and place where you can become aware of and reflect upon the presence of

god you may start by listening and joining in this responsive

reading and prayer from Philippians chapter 2 and respond simply Lord God, help me live united

with Christ. Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ, any comfort from his love, any fellowship

together with the Spirit?

Lord God help me live united with Christ.

Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one

another and working together with one mind and purpose. Lord God, help me live united with

Christ. Don't be selfish. Don't try to impress others. Be humble. Thinking of others as better

than yourselves. Lord God help me live united with Christ. And don't look out only for

your own interests, but take an interest in others too. Lord God help me live united with Christ.

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