Worship Interludes - Piano Instrumentals for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Relaxation, Study, and Rest

“QuietTime” – Instrumental Music Soundtrack for Prayer, Meditation, and Relaxation by Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

Episode 173 of the Worship Interludes Podcast is called “Quiet Time”. This peaceful instrumental departs from the solo piano improvisations. The composition adds layers of lush pads and sound effects to provide a sonic base for the sparse piano melodies that are sprinkled throughout the piece.

The majority of episodes of the podcast are solo piano only but I absolutely love creating these unique compositions with the additional layers of soundscapes. I recently purchased an arsenal of sounds from Sunday Sounds which give me a pallet of sounds that I’ve not had access to before.

As you listen, take time to focus on slowing down and breathing intentionally. Pray with gratitude. Meditate on what is good and noble. Relax and allow yourself eleven minutes to step away from the anxious, stress-filled cares of the world.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode.

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“Relaxed” – A Soothing Piano Instrumental for Relaxation, Mediation, and Prayer

Today’s interlude is called “Relaxed”. Let’s be honest. When you produce two compositions per week, it’s tough to come up with names! Many times I have an idea for the title as I’m playing. Often, the title is inspired by a Scripture or something that I’ve sensed in my personal quiet times of prayer. As I listened to today’s interlude, I just felt refreshed and relaxed.

This interlude has a bit more of a jazzy feel – not in speed but in the chord changes. It’s relaxed and enjoyable.

May times of refreshing pour over you as you listen today.

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August 2019 Welcome and Update

Episode #171 of the Worship Interludes Podcast is a monthly welcome and update from Pianist/Composer, Fred McKinnon. In this episode Fred welcomes new listeners, thanks them for over a half-million (500,000+) downloads, and invites them to consider:

* Becoming a monthly patron supporter for as little as $1/month* Texting the word “PIANOMUSIC” to 44-222 for a FREE DOWNLOAD of my music* Leaving a written review on the Worship Interludes Podcast at iTunes* Following all social media platforms including my Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.

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“In The Moment” – Worship Interludes Podcast, Episode #170

Today’s piano instrumental interlude was relatively short. As I was improvising I found myself just relaxing, breathing slowly, closing my eyes, and enjoying the melodies. I often feel like the interludes should be around ten minutes but as I found myself returning to the opening motif it just felt resolved.

As I held the final chord and the sound was fading, this interlude’s title came into my mind – “In The Moment”. I remembered that so many times, that moment that we cherish is short and sweet.

This past weekend my wife and I enjoyed a date night. We visited one of our favorite deep-dish pizza dives on St. Simons Island, GA called “CJ’s“. After having some amazing pizza we decided to stroll down through the village and onto the pier. It’s the last couple of weeks of summer before schools start, so it’s still very busy down here. The pier was full of tourists and locals alike – enjoying the high tide’s waves rolling in, the sea gulls, the sunset, a guy playing guitar and harmonica, and a guy feeding the pelicans. As we walked down the pier we noticed this huge orange fireball sinking into the horizon . It was the sunset. The entire moment lasted a couple of moments and it was gone as quickly as we’d noticed it.

Life has so many moments. Savor them. Enjoy them. In the midst of them, take time to be grateful.

Gratitude is such an important part of prayer and meditation. As a Christian, I’m often reminded of Scripture’s call for us to come into our times of prayer with gratitude in our hearts.

What are you grateful for? What moments have you enjoyed and what moments have you missed because you were too busy to notice?

I hope this interlude will help you slow down for a few short minutes. Breathe. Relax. Pray. Reflect. Enjoy the moment.

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“Mindfulness” – Piano Music for Prayer, Meditation, and Reflection

Mindfulness is defined as “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something”. It’s also defined as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” (Dictionary.Com)

I have to be honest. There are many times when I’m not mindful. I feel and sense this calling to slow down and become more aware of what’s going on and I push that away. Many times, I’m guessing I don’t want to address or consider the issues that are pressing on my conscience.

Mindfulness and self-awareness can go together and are so very healthy for us. Spiritually, it helps us identify with where we are our in our journey – from embracing our beliefs, confessing our shortcomings, and acknowledging our doubts. Because our physical lives are very connected to our spiritual lives, this impacts us physically as well.

These little worship interludes are created so that you can pause and become more mindful. Listen. Reflect. Pray. Meditate.

It’s my hope that after you listen, your short time of reflection empowers you with a fresh sense of rest, peace, and purpose.

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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Slow and Steady | Piano Instrumental Improvisation

We’ve all heard the saying “slow and steady wins the race”. In the race of life, let’s remember to be slow and steady. Be intentional. Have purpose. Make every day count.

How do we do this? By taking time to center ourselves, listen, and put one foot in front of the other. When we make a mistake, correct it with grace and move on. If we make a wrong turn, ease back and get back on the path.

A verse that I read in my personal devotion this morning stood out to me. It’s a reminder of how we should take each day. When we are always in a rush and everything we do and say comes from a place of hurry, stress, or pressure – it’s easy to offend.

I myself always strive to have a clear conscience without offense toward God and men.Acts 24:16, NKJV

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“Persist & Pray” – Piano Instrumental Music for Prayer, Meditation, Relaxation

I’ve said on many occasions that inspiration doesn’t always come easily. Composing, recording, and performing is often an awe-inspiring action and it’s often a matter of pure discipline and persistence.

I felt that way this morning when it was time to record the second interlude of the week. For whatever reason, my mind, my heart, and my body just did not want to cooperate. It’s not just the piano podcast – it’s my regular day job in e-commerce, it’s getting much-needed chores done around the house … just not feeling motivated.

We are going to live through ups and downs, seasons, and times where we simply are not inspired. You don’t really want to get up early and exercise. You don’t want to review your budget. You don’t feel like praying or reading your Bible.

When we are faced with these feelings, we can give up or push through. Persist. Pray. Push. Never give up.

Today’s interlude is the result of persistence. Normally I’m finished recording before anyone else is even awake. Today’s interlude is being produced closer to lunch. I spent a couple of hours in a fog, thinking of all the excuses why this wasn’t necessary today.

Where are you struggling? What’s holding you back? Can you push through?

I hope this piano improvisation can provide a soundtrack that allows you to take a few minutes and focus in on those things. I hope it gives you a moment to breathe, relax, pray, and get centered on your next steps.

May the peace of God flood you today!

Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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“Reflections” – Calm, Quiet Piano Instrumental Music for Prayer, Meditation, and Rest

Reflection is so important in our lives. We must take time to pause and reflect. This process gives us the opportunity to consider the past day, week, months, or years. In the process of reflection I like to take a mental inventory of the things I can celebrate and be grateful for. I also like to consider the areas where I missed the mark. Is there someone I should apologize to? Is there unconfessed sin or rebellion in my heart?

As I recorded today’s interlude I wanted to play something very simple and slow. It was my intention to engage in reflection as I played. I hope that you will be able to engage in reflection as you listen. Feel free to journal any thoughts that may come to mind as you reflect. Consider your victories. Remember things that you can celebrate and be grateful for. Pay attention to areas of lack or concern that you’d like to address.

As a Christian believer, I love reflection because I can remember the greatest sacrifice ever made for me. Even as I come face to face with some of my failures during my time of reflection, I can conclude my time in peace knowing there is an abundance of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

I hope you enjoy this improvisation, “Reflections”.

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“Peace” – Piano Instrumental for Prayer, Meditation, and Relaxation

Today’s piano instrumental, “Peace”, is a short, seven minute improvisation. The light melodies and peaceful tones are ideal to help the listener pull aside for a few minutes of prayer, meditation, and reflection.

Peace is absent from so many people in the days which we live. There is unrest in our jobs, families, and governments. We are surrounded by media that thrives on conflict, negativity, worry, and fear. God promises us peace and is even referred to as the “Prince of Peace”.

One of my favorite passages in Scripture is Philippians 4:6-7:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:7

This peace escapes us when we are caught up with anxious, worrisome thoughts. Pulling aside, even for a moment, and focusing on your blessings and prayers opens the door for us to draw near and realize just how accessible this peace really is.

The interlude today is only seven minutes long. I would encourage you to find a location where you can be alone for just seven minutes. If you are at work, close your office door for a moment. If you are at home, go into the bedroom, study, or a location where you won’t be disturbed. Perhaps you’re listening to this while walking or laying in bed. Turn off your phone notifications, ringers, and just close your eyes and listen. Release the cares of the world in surrender as you pray and listen.

Peace be with you,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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“In the Spirit” – Music for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Relaxation

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.Jude 1:20 (NIV)

Today’s interlude departs from the pure, solo piano and has a special sound with a combination of piano and electric piano with a wash of reverb effects. As I recorded “In the Spirit” I wanted to create slow, intentional melodies and plenty of space for your times of prayer, meditation and more importantly, listening.

As you take time during these “worship interludes” episodes, remember that listening is important. Offer your prayers with thanksgiving and make time to be still and simply listen for the still, small voice of guidance and wisdom.

I titled this piece “In the Spirit” from numerous Biblical passages that discuss the Holy Spirit and our being connected and engaged in the spirit.

Praying “in the spirit” is interpreted different ways by those in the faith community. My desire is that you will be able to discover a refreshing moment of peace and rest during your time of listening – spirit, soul, and body.

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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