My love for playing the piano started at an early age. After only a few years of lessons, I would spend hours on the bench doing what I thought was practicing, but much of the time, it was just playing—there is a difference between the two. It wasn’t until college that my understanding of and love for practicing began to rival my love for playing.

My first college piano teacher had a portion of Psalm 33:3 framed and sitting on her desk. There were just two words resting inside the frame—“play skillfully.” These words took hold of my heart and have never let go. By the time I was a college freshman, I had been a church musician for seven years, but these words from Scripture set me on a newly inspired path. Throughout college and beyond, as I learned more about music in general, my practicing was nurtured by both piano and organ teachers. They helped me grasp the importance of consistent, diligent practice. In other words, they helped me understand how to incorporate meaningful repetition of musical passages that needed to be addressed. I was now equipped with the right practicing methods to play skillfully and, therefore, bring out the best in my playing.

These two words from the Psalmist continue to state succinctly my desire as a church musician, but the pursuit of skillful playing must be coupled with diligent practice. The etymology of “diligent” includes a “love for” and “a delight in” a particular activity. The combination of love and delight encourages a consistent commitment to practicing. As I prepare for worship each week, I remember that I am readying myself to lead others in their pursuit of a “love for” and “a delight in” worshipping God.

Admittedly, I sometimes find it a daunting task to remain committed to always doing my best. I am relieved that I am not required by Psalm 33:3 to “play perfectly.” To play in a skillful manner is to reflect God, who knows the possibilities of the gift He created. I must be careful, however, to avoid the temptation of using this as an excuse to present music that may sound good but isn’t my best. Even if others can’t tell the difference, God can, and He is the real audience in worship.

Another admission is that though I am preparing for Sunday worship services, I don’t usually approach a practice session with the expectation that I will worship as I practice. After all, playing skillfully is the sole purpose of practicing—or is it? If I am going to lead others in worship, should I not have already experienced that which I am going to lead? When I worship as I practice, I find that it makes a distinct difference in how I lead when Sunday arrives. Those times are beautiful reminders that God is to be worshipped throughout the process.

There are many reasons to practice and be prepared for worship, but at the top of the list is to honor God by bringing Him my best. God is omniscient and, therefore, already knows what my best is. Skillful playing takes time and comes in the form of diligent practice—there is no substitute. It is too important.

Join us at Animate 2025 for an unforgettable experience where you can cultivate your artistic talents and deepen your understanding of worship in community. With a range of inspiring artistic tracks and toolbox classes—including piano sessions led by Dr. Brent Reeves—there's something for everyone. Don’t wait—register today to secure your spot and be part of this transformative week!

Dr. Brent Reeves is an adjunct faculty member at Samford University where he teaches a variety of piano-related courses and serves as an accompanist to undergraduate and graduate vocalists and instrumentalists. As an experienced independent piano instructor, Dr. Reeves also maintains a private studio. He is part of the Music and Worship staff at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church where he and his wife, Lorna, are members. As the staff accompanist and arranger for Dawson, he plays piano and organ, as well as arranges and composes music for the needs of the Music and Worship ministry.