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

Lift Up Your Head – Piano Instrumental for Meditation, Prayer, Relaxation

Episode #82 of the Worship Interludes Podcast

A few days ago I was relaxing in my back yard by our swimming pool.    As I lay there looking up towards the sky I noticed a large tree in our back yard that was completely covered in ivy and moss.    The limbs and branches were completely wrapped and covered in a thick green covering of vines.  It was beautiful yet I found it so odd that I’d never noticed that before.   This made me realize that from time to time, we need to change our perspective.   It’s time to lift your head – look up – gaze at the stars – the sky – and see things from a different point of view.

It’s so easy to stay focused on what is in front of you and forget to look around.   As you listen to today’s interlude, take time to change your perspective.   Look at things differently.  See what you notice.

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“In Remembrance” (Based on Taps) – A Memorial Day Tribute

Today’s interlude was recorded early in the morning on May 28, 2018 – Memorial Day.   This is a day in the United States where we honor and remember those who have fallen.  We humbly and respectfully recognize those soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

I consider myself to be rather patriotic.  My “America The Beautiful” tribute video is one of my most-requested songs and it’s my honor and privilege to share my gift of music to honor our military.

At first, I considered leaving this piece out of the “Worship Interludes” podcast but I felt that this time of reflection is appropriate – just a we reflect on our friends and families who have lost someone.  I also reflect that just as these brave soldiers gave their lives to protect us and give us freedom, we have a Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who also paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.

For that, I’m eternally grateful.

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Summer Rain – Instrumental Music for Relaxation:

Summer Rain – Piano Instrumental for Prayer, Meditation, Relaxation “Summer Rain” is a piano instrumental featuring Fred McKinnon. It includes a soft, peaceful melody with light rain and distant thunder in the background. It creates a peaceful, soothing soundtrack for your times of prayer, meditation, and relaxation. If you’re exhausted and tired, play this music to help you sleep!

Thanks to Robert Wimer (https://archive.org/details/1HourThun…) and 99 Sounds (http://99sounds.org/rain-and-thunder/) for the rain/thunder effects and Pexels.Com for the beautiful images.

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About this piece:

“Patience” is a simple piano instrumental that I recorded during my time of devotion.   It’s episode #79 of the Worship Interludes Podcast (available on this website, iTunes, and Google Play Music, as well as many other locations).

As I was thinking about what to record today I was reminded of issues in my life that are out of my control.  I have some things that are delayed due to circumstances beyond my control.  This brings me a lot of stress, anxiety, and frustration.   We all know that this is unhealthy and is not only bad for our physical bodies, but for our souls and spiritual well-being.  That was the mindset I had going into this recording.   I wanted to just play something light and peaceful and say a few prayers, trusting that everything will be OK.   Ultimately, I want to be able to relax and walk in patience.

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About this piece:

“The Simple Things” is a piano instrumental for prayer, meditation, worship, and relaxation.  Today as I was taking my morning walk with my Golden Retriever, Sadie, I couldn’t help but notice a patch of purple wildflowers. They were growing in a nearby patch of grass.

As I stopped at the simplicity and beautify of these little flowers, I was reminded of the goodness of God.  I was reminded of how blessed we are.  There is such beauty around us and in many cases, it’s the simple things that bring such pleasure.

It’s my hope that as you listen to this interlude you can pause and be thankful for some of the simple things in life that bring beauty, peace, joy, and fulfillment.   Take time to reflect on them and be grateful.

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One of the most sacred sacraments in Christian faith is the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or The Eucharist.  Today’s interlude is called “Come To the Table” and echoes Jesus’ words for us to receive His sacrifice for our sins.   This interlude is accompanied by a special music video with beautiful imagery of the bread, the wine, and the Table.

Luke 22: 17-20, KJV

17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

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Today’s interlude is called “Peace Beyond Understanding”.   I’ll be honest, at this point in my life, I seem to have a lot of questions.   I’m 47 years old, I’m watching my children grow up so quickly I can hardly stand it, and I’m feeling and seeing change in everything around me.   That could rock the boat and bring about a lot of stress but I’ve remembered that God’s Word challenges us to “not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present yourselves to God” and that as a result, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus”.  (Philippians 4:6-7).

I can truly attest to this peace.  It’s available and it’s attainable.   My hope is that as you listen to this interlude you can slow down for just a few minutes and experience some peace yourself.

Hope you enjoy!

Fred

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

Episode:  #75

Title:  “Leaning In”

Format:  Piano/Synths

There’s a phrase that people use when they are really taking something seriously and putting genuine effort into it.   We call it “leaning in”.   From time to time I’ve heard this expression or even used it myself in reference to prayer.   There are times when you are “leaning in” to prayer  – as if putting forth extra energy, or leaning forward to push for progress or perhaps, get closer to hear your answer.   This interlude is called “Leaning In” because the A-minor key and the chord progression, combined with a repetitive, pulsing bass line, helps me shut out distractions and focus in my time of prayer and meditation … or you could say, it helps me “lean in”.

Today’s interlude is another departure from pure solo piano and brings back some layers of synthesizers and pads.  Back in Episode #67, “Mysteries”, I released the first interlude like this and the response was very positive.  Personally, I love the purity and sonic space of the solo piano interludes but from time to time, it’s good to change things up.  If these synth episodes aren’t your cup of tea, just pass on to the next track.

With this episode I think I will begin to change the format of the podcast titles.  Up until now, all episodes start with “Worship Interludes” but this is redundant since every episode of this podcast is a worship interlude and that is the name of the podcast.  I waned more space in the title to begin to differentiate between Solo Piano, Piano/Synth, Soundtrack, Soundscape, Orchestral, etc.   As these musical interludes evolve over time, this will help the listener (and myself!) identify them more easily.

As always, I’d be honored hear from you.  Leave a comment below.

Time.  It seems to be flying away from us all.   As a young parent, I used to get annoyed when people would tell me “these days will be gone so fast” or something similar.  Now that I’m older and I’m watching my four children growing up so quickly before my eyes, I have to agree.  Time is flying.

Sometimes we can get the feeling that time is not on our side.  Maybe you think it’s too late.  Or maybe you think you have plenty of time.

The truth is, none of us know how much time we have left.  So live every day as if it could be your last.

One of the most important things we can do in our “time” is to slow down – even for 10 minutes.   Take a few minutes to be still.   Pray, meditate, breathe, relax.   Even though the second hand on the clock is moving at the same speed, it does seem to slow down time just a bit.

I named this interlude “Time” because the opening motif (theme) is similar to the chimes on a grandfather clock.   I hope you’ll take a few minutes to be still and enjoy a soothing moment where time slows down for you.

It’s not often that a “Worship Interludes” episode is a cover song.   I typically like to sit down and just compose on the fly, playing what’s in my heart.  This piece, “Here I Am To Worship” is a classic chorus that is enjoyed by millions of worshipers across the globe.   And today, this was the song in my heart.

I hope you enjoy it!   I’d be honored if you took a moment to leave a comment and let me know.

Grace and peace,

Fred

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