Worship Interludes

Standing Firm – Piano Instrumental [Episode 220]

April 7, 2020 Fred McKinnon Music, Worship Interludes 0:05:49 0 Comments

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 [Episode 219]

April 1, 2020 Fred McKinnon Music, Worship Interludes 6:22 0 Comments

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.

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.

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Stillness | Peaceful Instrumental Piano [Episode 218, March 28, 2020]

March 28, 2020 Fred McKinnon Music, Worship Interludes 9:28 0 Comments

“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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