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

One Day In Your Courts – Piano Improvisation

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere …Psalm 84:10

What a wonderful time of prayer and reflection I had this morning. Today is July 5, 2019. Yesterday we celebrated Independence Day which is a national holiday in the USA on July 4th every year. It’s one of my favorite holidays because our family tradition is to relax and open our home and backyard pool to any friends who wish to join us for a day of leisure and relaxation. I spent most of the day relaxed in our pool chatting with friends. I played piano at The Lodge at Sea Island for guests last night and was able to watch a spectacular fireworks display before coming home and watching my beloved Atlanta Braves in a big win over a division rival.

This morning presented an opportunity for me to really start my day in the wrong direction. I’d hoped to rest and sleep in but our huge cat, Hunter, had other plans. He’s big enough to stand on his back legs and literally knock on our door. He’s huge. When I say huge, that’s an understatement. He loves to eat and even though we have him on a diet, it doesn’t stop him for begging for food.

Around 5:45 AM, I heard our bedroom door rattling back and forth. I thought there must be some big storm outside rattling the doors. It continued and as I woke up I got more and more angry because I realized what was probably causing this unsettling noise that awakened me from my dreams. Sure enough, when I opened the bedroom door, that cat was sitting there looking up at me as if to say “wake up and feed me”.

I did not feed him; rather, I tossed him out the front door.

You know that feeling when you wake up frustrated? I just wanted to sleep in and wake up on my own terms. I was frustrated with the cat and I was more frustrated with my family who I’ve asked to always put the cats out before bed for this very reason.

As petty as it may seem, I was in a bad mood. I could feel those nasty chemicals and hormones stirred up down in my chest. I didn’t feel like having a quiet time but sat down with a cup of coffee and my Bible. As I read through the Scriptures my heart softened. Next, I put on my headphones and tuned in to one of my favorite YouTube channels as background music for my prayer time.

Despite my morning frustrations, I began to sense the peace of God flooding into my spirit. I glanced up from my studio desk and begin to gaze at my “monument of remembrance”. This is a heart-warming display of family pictures that my wife lovingly strung together and hung from my studio/office windows. It reminded me of what is important in this life. I began to express gratitude and thanksgiving for all of God’s blessings in my life.

As I pressed in a little deeper, I realized that I was making a choice. This morning presented me with the choice of two doors. One door was the doorway into my own selfish emotions that could quickly give way into sinful thoughts and actions.

“ThanksGiving & Praise” – Piano Instrumental Improvisation

Episode #162 of my Worship Interludes Podcast is called “Thanksgiving & Praise”. It’s a solo piano improvisation that is just over nine minutes long. Early this morning I finished a workout outside in the hot, muggy early morning hours. When I came home from the 5:30 AM workout I was soaking wet and decided to cool down in our swimming pool.

Still very early in the morning my swim was refreshing and I found a seat on a little underwater bench in the pool to have some prayer time. I sat there for a few moments and was without words. I finally uttered out the words, “well, God, where do I start”?

At this point I recalled an old praise chorus that we used to sing that is based off the Scripture. Those lyrics were “come into His presence with thanksgiving in your heart and give Him praise”. (Psalm 100:4)

That was my answer. I’d start my time of prayer and meditation with thanksgiving and praise. I began to softly express gratitude for all of the many blessings that I’ve been given. I even took time to thank God for some of the trials I’ve endured.

This was a great way to begin and eased me into a sweet time of prayer and reflection. I decided that I’d name this morning’s interlude after that little outdoor experience.

I don’t often record myself on video but decided to capture the recording on my iPhone this morning. Nothing special, and I most certainly didn’t bother dressing up – these videos are shot early in the morning usually before showers and getting dressed.

I hope it ministers to your soul.

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“Fix Your Gaze” – Solo Piano Instrumental Music for Quiet Time, Prayer, Devotion, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Relaxation, and Study Music

Today’s piano improvisation interlude is actually a continuation of Episode 160, “Morning Glory” that I recorded earlier this week. In that episode I paused and changed directions. After listening to the entire piece again I realized it could be nice to split these into two separate interludes.

As I listened to this piece early this morning I was reminded of passages in Hebrew that tell us to “fix our eyes” or “fix our gaze” on Jesus Christ. The more I live, the more I come to realize that fixing our gaze on the One who created it all is my only true hope. Everything else in this world will disappoint at some point, but when we fix our gaze on the One who loves us more than we could ever imagine, things change around us.

I hope that you enjoy this interlude and that it brings peace into your busy day.

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

Photo by Vlad Bagacian from Pexels

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“Morning Glory” – Solo Piano Instrumental Music for Quiet Time, Devotional, Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, and Relaxation

I recorded this early on a Tuesday morning. My day had already gotten derailed when I woke up at 5:00 AM to join my brothers in our Tuesday F3 Workout. As I walked into the dark foyer of my home my big toe discovered a big guitar pedal board and amp that one of my kids decided to leave on the floor. Nothing on that pedal board seems to be sharp but I hit it just the right way and ripped a nice gash in the bottom and side of my big toe. Ouch. It didn’t take long for that to start throbbing so I skipped my workout and tried to get back to sleep.

Sleep evaded me so it was time to get started. I was able to come into my studio office, have a quick devotional, and record this piece. I decided on “Morning Glory” because I love sensing the glory of God’s peace in the early morning. As the sun was rising outside through the window of my studio, the melody in this song would rise.

I hope you enjoy it.

Photo by Bruce Getty from Pexels

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Soothing Piano Instrumental Music for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, & Relaxation by Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

This piece was inspired by a devotion that I read this morning. It reminded me of the importance of our ability to be able to discern and listen to that “still, small voice” that gives us direction.

So many things dull our ability to hear that still, small voice. Cares of this world, sin, selfish pursuits, and the noise of our society. One of the many reasons I create this podcast is to provide a little space – a niche, carved out of our chaotic world, where people can be still – even for a few minutes – to breathe, relax, and LISTEN.

I hope that you are able to hear that still, small voice today as you listen.

Thanks for your support!Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon

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Morning Moments – Peaceful, Soothing Solo Piano Instrumental Music

It’s Friday here on St. Simons Island, GA and the weather forecast suggests it’s going to be a little cooler today. By cooler, I mean mid 80s. That’s actually really nice.

I was up early and it’s a beautiful day outside. I took some time to just look out over the pool and the yard. The water is crystal clear, sparkling blue, and inviting. The birds are chirping and it’s not super hot. All together, it made for a nice morning moment.

Peaceful, unhurried mornings are one of my favorite experiences on the planet. A nice cup of coffee, an easy, relaxed time to get my thoughts together, have my devotion, and look ahead to the day – this makes me happy.

I hope you enjoy “Morning Moments” with me today. Take some time, even if it’s in the middle of your day or late in the evening, and slow down for a few minutes. Take some deep breaths. Close your eyes. Pray. Express gratitude. Relax.

Have a great weekend, friends!

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

Photo by Harry Lette from Pexels

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“Unspoken” – Solo Piano Music for Prayer, Meditation, Rest

Many times in our lives we may find ourselves without words. These are the times when, even with the weight of a million thoughts racing through our minds, we have nothing to say. If you are a person who prays, your prayer is just a silent pause. If you meditate, your mind may be filled with endless thoughts as you try to let them pass by.

There are times when we have prayers but they are so private – so personal – that we can never say them out loud. They are … “unspoken”.

The beauty of instrumental music is that it can carry the unspoken into a place where you can rest and be at peace. I hope that you enjoy this short interlude. May all of the thoughts and prayers that are unspoken be saturated with peace as you listen.

Photo by Rakicevic Nenad from Pexels

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“Linger A Moment” – Calming Music for Rest, Relaxation, Prayer, Meditation

Today’s interlude is offered as a challenge. I’ve found that without discipline, it’s nearly impossible to just be still, calm, and relaxed in the midst of our busy days. This interlude is just over six minutes long. I’d like to challenge everyone to find 6:15 to get alone and listen to this interlude. At first, you’ll probably be anxious about everything that you have to do. Try your best to push through those first, rushing thoughts of all your cares and concerns. Be present in the music – allowing yourself to be still, calm, and relaxed.

Consider offering a prayer. Express gratitude. Meditate on something noble and beautiful. Or just close your eyes, breathe deeply and slowly, and relax.

Are you up for the challenge? If you are, please leave a comment below after you’ve listened and tell me how you feel.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

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“Communion” – Piano Solo by Guest Pianist, Neil Patton

It’s been a crazy week for me as I’ve been in the process of moving. The building where my company’s office is located was recently sold and all of the tenants who occupied the big, shared office space have had to move out. It’s been a week-long process which was the perfect time to share some wonderful interludes by guest artists.

Earlier this week you enjoyed a guest post by Robby Davis. Neil Patton is another colleague and pianist who is part of the Whisperings Piano Artists family. He submitted this beautiful piano composition, “Communion” as a guest post for the Worship Interludes Podcast.

About Neil Patton:

www.NeilPatton.net

Neil Patton is a pianist, composer, singer and teacher in Eugene, OR. His music for solo piano is a unique fusion of Classical, New Age, Folk and Rock influences that has emotionally impacted listeners around the globe. He has released four critically acclaimed collections of original solo piano music since 2007. His 2015 album, “Between Shadow and Light” was awarded Album of the Year at MainlyPiano.com. He works as a private piano instructor and freelance musician, as well as serving as Pastor of Worship Arts at his local church.

“There are a lot of really good pianists on the contemporary piano scene, but only a few are breath-taking, and Neil Patton is one of those.” Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com

Links:www.neilpatton.net http://www.smarturl.it/NPsolitaire https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/NeilPatton

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“Refresh My Soul” – Piano Instrumental Music for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, and Relaxation

Today’s episode of the Worship Interludes Podcast is the work of a guest artist, Robby Davis. I met Robby back in February at a gathering of solo piano artists from the Whisperings Solo Piano Radio broadcast. We soon realized we had some mutual friends and had a lot in common as we’d both served as church musicians.

As soon as I began to play this piece I was immersed in a gentle, peaceful melody that was perfect for the podcast. Such beauty, such sensitivity, such anointing.

Be sure and visit Robby’s links below and let him know how grateful you are for his bringing this beautiful melody to our times of devotion, prayer, quiet time, and meditation.

Links for Robby Davis

Web: www.robbydavismusic.comFacebook: Facebook.com/robbydavismusicInstagram: @davis_robbyTwitter: @davis_robbyPandora: Pandora.com/artist/robby-davis

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