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

Standing Firm - Piano Instrumental Music for Prayer, Meditation, Mindfulness, Soaking Worship, Relaxation, and Rest

Today is Tuesday, April 7, 2020.  We are now over a month into what is considered by most to be an unprecedented lifestyle change due to the COVID-19 disease caused by the corona virus that has plagued the globe.One of my friends and piano colleagues is in desperate need of prayer.  Her husband is very, very sick from the virus and she’s struggling as well.    She’s still at home with their six children and, like anyone, she is battling exhaustion, fear, worry, and every possible emotion.This is just one of thousands of stories being told each day.    People have lost their jobs.   People are quarantined in homes with no ability to work or earn a living.    There is unprecedented economic loss.   Our first responders and medical professionals have become the soldiers in a new war that none of us really imagined would be taking place in the Spring of 2020.Let’s be honest .  This is exhausting.   Shelter-in-place orders.   Fear of going outside.   Social media wars between those who think we shouldn’t leave our homes versus those who venture out too often.   After a while, you may become weary spending all that time with your family and loved ones.Yet, we are being encouraged by the governing authorities to hang in there, to continue practicing this new thing called “social distancing” for a little while longer.   What they are saying to us is basically “stand firm” – we’re getting there.I’m reminded of one of my favorite verses from Scripture:“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13)Basically, this is telling us to stand – and when you can’t stand any longer, keep standing firm.This is the theme of today’s interlude.  I hope that it brings blessings and peace to you as you listen.   Thanks for your support. 

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Perfect Peace - Piano Instrumental Music

Have you ever awakened in the morning with a bit of uneasiness or anxiety in your soul?   Have you ever felt unsettled but you aren’t sure why?That’s how I felt this morning when I woke up.   I had those knots in my stomach and just felt my entire body was tense.  My breathing was shorter.   I just felt stressed.I got a great night’s sleep.  I can’t explain why.   Sometimes, this just happens.  And I’m fairly confident that sometimes, this happens with you as well.Living in these feelings is not God’s plan for us.   His Word tells us to “be anxious for nothing” and He promises to give us “perfect peace”.   (Philippians 4:6-7)  I believe this eventually has a heavy toll on our bodies – emotionally, spiritually, and definitely physically.

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 4:6-7

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When these times of unrest, anxiety, or stress sneak into our lives we have promises that we can find peace and comfort.    For me, I practice the process that is described in the scripture above.    I take time to pause and give thanks.   I offer up words of thanksgiving and gratitude and begin to remind myself of all of the blessings in my life.   Then, I have a conversation with God and confess my anxiety – and even confess when I don’t have any idea where it’s coming from.    I take any of those thoughts that concern me and offer them as prayers and receive the peace of God that comes from knowing I can trust Him.Listening to these interludes is a great way to experience this.   As you play the music, calm yourself, close your eyes, breathe deeply and intentionally, and listen.

“Stillness” – Piano Instrumental Music for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Relaxation, Mindfulness, and Rest

Today’s piano instrumental improvisation is called “Stillness”. It’s in the key of A minor and has a beautiful, slow, deliberate feel that is perfect for your personal times of prayer, meditation, mindfulness, or relaxation. I recorded this early on Saturday morning, March 28th after waking up early and having my personal quiet time and coffee.

When I begin recording these interludes I’m never quite sure where they will take me. I usually find a key that feels right and make a decision on whether or not I will include any additional instrument layers or if I will just record solo piano. This morning I chose to record with a soft tonic pad with the A and E string droning throughout the piece. All other synths and pads were muted except for the shimmering effect that lingers throughout the piece.

After recording I decided to feature the piano more prominently so I mixed the tonic pad a bit lower so you can really enjoy the ambience of the Yamaha CFX grand piano shining through.

As I write this, we are still in an epic battle against the corona virus that has caused many to be sick and even pass away. A large percentage of our country is essentially on lock down, staying at home so as to not spread the disease. With these situations comes plenty of opportunities to be tired, stressed, worried, or fearful.

It’s my hope and prayer that these interludes give you a respite – a pause or break, in the midst of the chaos.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and enjoy this interlude.

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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“Calm” – Instrumental Music for Relaxation, Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Mindfulness, Sleep, Study Music

This is the 217th episode of my Worship Interludes Podcast and was broadcast live on my Facebook Page yesterday morning. We are in unprecedented times as our world battles the COVID-19 Corona Virus. I hope that this short interlude helps to usher you into a place of peace, calm, and rest. Use this as background music for your personal times of prayer, meditation, or relaxation. Play this interlude as you work, study, or sleep. It’s my gift to you.

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“Together” – Piano Instrumental Solo by Fred McKinnon

Over the past week I’ve been adding the following statement to many of my emails, whether they be music related or business related.

We’re all in this together

As our nation and world grasp to face this novel COVID-19 Corona Virus pandemic it’s important to remember that we are all in this together. I spend a good bit of time on social media (without question, too much time) and I see things that make me so very proud. At the same time, I see so much strife and judgment that makes me very sad.

More than ever, we must pull together. We must unify our hearts, our nation, our people and work together to see this terrible disease conquered. Disease and sickness, of any type, does not usually discriminate against race, religion, political views, or financial status. Furthermore, opinions on the best way forward will vary from nation, state, city, family, and individual. In these cases, extend grace. Reserve judgment.

It’s my great honor to record these peaceful instrumental interludes. My hope is that they will be a peaceful, comforting backdrop to your personal times of prayer, devotion, meditation, and mindfulness. It’s my prayer that you are able to listen and find an escape from the chaos of this world. We all need it.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for your support. I’m forever grateful.

We’re all in this together!

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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Comfort – Piano Instrumental Interlude for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Relaxation, Rest, and Focus

Fear, anxiety, stress, and worry are just a few of the emotions and conditions that have been sweeping across the United States and the world. Our society has been radically transformed as we battle the COVID-19 Corona Virus pandemic that has been sweeping across the globe. Hundreds of thousands of people are out of work because of business closures. Students are at home unable to finish their schooling at their local schools, colleges, and universities. Restaurants are closing and people across the nation are practicing a lifestyle called “social distancing” to try and prevent the spread of this novel virus.

One of the goals of my creating these instrumental interludes has always been to provide a soundtrack that enables the listener to escape the cares of this world. My desire is for people to hit the pause button of their hectic lives, close their eyes for a moment, and find an oasis of peace, rest, and relaxation. For many, this is accomplished through prayers, devotion, Scripture reading, or meditation. Others simply listen and relax. Listeners practice intentional breathing to calm their soul, lower their heart rate, and reduce their stress.

In this time of unrest and the unknown, I am here to continue to record and play these interludes. The beauty of instrumental music is that it transcends language, cultural, geographic, political, and religious walls.

For the person who has lost their job and are afraid – I am here.For the parents whose kids are suddenly at home instead of school – I am here.For the person battling disease – I am here.For the person who is depressed and anxious – I am here.For the son and daughter deeply concerned for their elderly parents – I am here.For the business owner who is devastated with financial loss – I am here.For the churches who made the painful decision to suspend your gatherings – I am here.

To all who are burdened, exhausted, stressed, worried, and afraid – I am here.

I am here to share the gift of these improvised interludes. From my little home studio to every country and nation, may this music bring a little joy, a little peace, a little rest, and respite to your life.

We are all in this together.

Grace and Peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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Perfect Love Casts Out Fear – Piano Instrumental for Peace during Corona Virus Fears

This title comes from a passage in 1 John 4:18. It speaks to me today because we are experiencing incredible fear, panic, and anxiety all over this world because of the Corona Virus pandemic. With each passing day, with each tormenting headline, more and more people are being gripped with fear and worry.

The passage I’ve quoted is not necessarily addressing that type of situation when taken into context but it still rings true. The best weapon against fear is love and faith.

When we are assaulted, day and night, with a relentless barrage of headlines that insight fear and worry we must choose. Will you choose to live in panic and fear, or will you choose to live in faith and peace? Make no mistake about it, I am not belittling or diminishing the need for our world to have the facts of this virus reported to us. It is important to be informed with facts.

I love Psalm 91 and I choose to meditate on this during these trials. I encourage you to read it and meditate on it as well.

Fear brings out the worst in us. Panic. It makes us stressed and when we are stressed our reactions and responses to our fellow mankind is not balanced.

Loving one another, praying for one another, being empathetic and compassionate to one another – this is how we defeat fear.

I created this short interlude as a means for you to take a break from the panic, fear, and hysteria that is being caused by this corona virus pandemic. I hope and pray that it brings you a few moments of focus, peace, and rest.

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Selah – Solo Piano Improvisation Music for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Mindfulness, Relaxation, Study, and Rest

Selah is a word that is found throughout the Book of Psalms in the Bible. Most scholars feel that this word simply meant to pause, rest, or ponder. Today’s interlude is a calm, soothing piano improvisation in G-minor.

Tuesdays are the day that I typically record the first interlude of each week but this day has become increasingly busier in my life over the past months. I can honestly say that when I looked at the clock and it was after 9:30 AM and I hadn’t even started recording … I seriously considered skipping the interlude today.

Every time I’ve allowed the busyness of life and the cares of the world to rob me of these sweet, peaceful musical interludes, I feel a sense of regret and disappointment.

It’s quite common for one to feel a sense of sadness, lament, or focus when listening to an interlude such as this one which is in the minor key. I think that it’s important to allow ourselves to go into that place where we sense the tension, the fatigue, yet, battle through and find rest.

As you listen today, I hope and pray that you allow yourself to slow down, soak it in, and discover peace and rest for your soul.

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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“Unending Love” – Piano Improvisation by Fred McKinnon

This piece, “Unending Love” comes from my piano improvisation on the morning of Friday, March 6, 2020. It is featured as Episode #212 of the Worship Interludes Podcast which was created as a soundtrack for personal times of prayer, devotion, meditation, relaxation, and rest.

Love is such a powerful gift. I’m not thinking about the kind of love we may have emotionally or sexually with someone. That’s definitely part of love but I’m referring to selfless, never-ending love that chooses to serve, bless, and honor. Love is such a beautiful gift when it’s given with no expectation of return or benefit.

Truthfully, loving with that kind of love is extremely difficult. Yet, Christ has called us to love one another in this way.

One of the main reasons that I record these morning interludes is so that the listener can have a peaceful, calming soundtrack for their personal times of prayer and devotion. In this episode, consider meditating on how you can love others more completely and selflessly. Allow yourself to see your shortcomings and opportunities for growth in this area.

May we learn to love in the way that we are loved by our Heavenly Father.

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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“Rest for the Soul” – Piano Instrumental Improvisation for Prayer, Meditation, Soaking Worship, Relaxation

I can’t really explain why, but I’ve been exhausted recently. It feels like no amount of sleep is enough and I’m tired throughout the day. Typically I would blame this on my diet and exercise but I’ve been very consistent in this area. My diet is better and more disciplined than it’s been in years as well as my commitment to exercise. I’ve actually lost 22 pounds since January.

Sometimes, our bodies simply need rest. Last night I went to bed at 8:50 PM. Everything in my mind kept telling me it was crazy to go to bed so early. Yet, I was tired and had been tired all day long. According to the sleep tracker on my trusty FitBit watch, I feel asleep very quickly. A friend of mine who usually exercises with us in the early morning hours didn’t show up this morning and he said the same thing – he was just exhausted and needed to rest.

Our bodies were not meant to be going full speed at all times. We need rest. Not just daily rest, but weekly rest. That’s why God created the sabbath. In today’s culture, sabbath may look very different than in the past. Yet, I believe with all of my heart that we should be intentional about rest.

Today’s interlude is simply called “Rest for the Soul” and it’s a relatively short interlude. The thing I love about the short interludes is your ability to pause for a few short minutes in a busy day and find a moment of peace and rest.

That is my desire for each and every one of you today.

May you find rest for your soul.

Grace and peace,Fred McKinnon, Pianist/Composer

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