Biography:
Talbot was born into a Methodist family with a musical background in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and started learning to play the guitar at an early age. At age 15 he dropped out of school and was performing as a guitarist for Mason Proffit, a country folk-rock band formed with his older brother Terry.
Talbot embarked on a spiritual journey that led him through Native American religion and Buddhism to Christianity. At this point he and his brother, Terry, joined the Jesus Movement, recording the album Reborn which was re-released by Sparrow Records (originally released as The Talbot Brothers on the Warner Brothers label).
Two solo albums followed for Talbot: John Michael Talbot (1976) and The New Earth (1977). Both of these were produced by Billy Ray Hearn.
Reading the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, he was inspired to begin studying at a Franciscan center in Indianapolis. He became a Roman Catholic and joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1978. He started a house of prayer, The Little Portion.
Talbot moved The Little Portion to Eureka Springs, Arkansas on land he had purchased during his Mason Proffit days. He founded his own community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, at Little Portion Hermitage as an "integrated monastic community" with celibate brothers and sisters, singles, and families. By 1989, Talbot had married Viola Pratka (with the permission of the Catholic Church). Pratka was a former Incarnate Word Sister who had come to the community in 1986.
Per the community's General Constitutions, Talbot's title is "General Minister and Spiritual Father". For many years, he has promoted the work of Mercy Corps.
The hermitage suffered a fire in April 2008 in which the chapel, library and many common areas were destroyed.
On April 10, 2010 the Bishop of Little Rock, Anthony Taylor, dedicated the new buildings. On October 2, 2010 the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage celebrated the opening of the new monastery church and common center.
Be Exalted O God
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
O Lord, among the people
I will sing praises to Thee
Among the nations
For Thy steadfast love is great
It is great to the Heavens
And Thy faithfulness
Thy faithfulness to the clouds
Be exalted, O God
Above the Heavens
Let Thy glory be over all the Earth
Be exalted, O God
Above the Heavens
Let Thy glory be over all the Earth
I will give thanks to Thee
O Lord, among the people
I will sing praises to Thee
Among the Nations
For Thy steadfast love is great
It is great to the heavens
And Thy faithfulness
Thy faithfulness to the clouds
Be exalted, O God
Above the Heavens
Let Thy glory be over all the Earth
Be exalted, O God
Above the Heavens
Let Thy glory, let Thy glory
Let Thy glory be over all the Earth
The lyrics to John Michael Talbot's "Be Exalted O God" are a beautiful praise and worship song which speaks about acknowledging and declaring God's greatness to be above all things. The lyrics begin with the declaration of thankfulness and praises to God among the people and among the nations for His steadfast love, which is so great that it stretches to the heavens, and His faithfulness which reaches to the clouds. This is a powerful image of God's love and faithfulness that extends beyond what we can imagine, and serves as a reminder that nothing is impossible for Him. The chorus repeats the phrase "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens" and calls for God's glory to be over all the earth.
The song is a beautiful expression of the worshipper's heart, recognizing and acknowledging God as the supreme ruler overall. It speaks of the desire to see God's glory displayed and exalted on earth, and the declaration of His greatness to all people and nations. The song encourages all to lift their voices in praise and worship to Him alone. The repetition of the phrase "let thy glory be over all the earth" is a call to all the nations to acknowledge and glorify God, recognizing His greatness and power above all things.
Line by Line Meaning
I will give thanks to Thee
I will express my gratitude to you
O Lord, among the people
in the presence of all humanity
I will sing praises to Thee
I will create songs to honor you
Among the nations
by sharing them with all nationalities
For Thy steadfast love is great
Because your love is unwavering and unconditional
It is great to the heavens
It extends to the cosmos above
And Thy faithfulness
And your unwavering loyalty
Thy faithfulness to the clouds
It reaches even the highest clouds in the sky
Be exalted, O God
Rise above all other beings, oh God
Above the Heavens
Higher than everything else, even the sky
Let Thy glory be over all the Earth
Let your shining power be known and respected by everyone
Be exalted, O God
Rise above all other beings, oh God
Above the Heavens
Higher than everything else, even the sky
Let Thy glory be over all the Earth
Let your shining power be known and respected by everyone
Let Thy glory, let Thy glory
May your glory be spread wide and far
Let Thy glory be over all the Earth
Let your shining power be known and respected by everyone
Writer(s): Brent Chambers
Contributed by Camilla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@laurettaalicebrydon
Thank you for this hymn as I read Psalm 145 I thought of it may it bless your day
@Freeman_Actual
For my son this morning… may every day start with worship that is all about Him
@margaretwaterson2009
Amen! How great is our God!
@paultaylor3169
The first time I heard this powerful song was in 1979, growing up as a kid in India, the Celebrant Singers brought their anointed ministry of Worship to India; the anointing on this song so gripped my heart it has never left me. I can still sit and weep under the anointing.... decades later.
@snowbird7614
I love this song. It is so beautiful and praises Jesus so wonderfully! 😊
@patriciaswilley4508
The first time I heard this song was at a noonday services at Ft. Huachuca in the late 80s.It gave me goose bumps. Father lent me JMT tapes. Now I have many of his CDs and keep them in the car and sing along . Such wonderful praising uplifting songs, especially the psalms. May we all be blest singing the Lord's praises. Thank you much for all your songs Mr. Talbot.
@ynikshia5986
Patricia Swilley
you have journey through many years
@jeanvetter1008
I love this amazing song of glory! I cannot be still. It touches my inner being so very deeply!! I really wish my church used this music. The worship would be awesome!
@BuenasMusicaEnIngles
GOD Is Saying To You Today;"Don't go backwards, that's what the enemy wants you to do.Your future will be greater than your past.Your past was just preparation for your future. Iam with you.Keep moving forward. Things are better for you up ahead. "Trust in His promises.🕊
@gmcneill5562
Hello DJ Blakk Remixx. Just came out of my Quiet Time with the Lord and this song was on my mind. Before I could hear the song, I was led to read the comments. Yours is the first I read. THANK YOU for letting the Lord speak through you. I receive your encouraging, empowering words BY FAITH in Jesus. God the Heavenly Father has answered me about what I had asked Him during my time with Him. Thanks again, dear one. Be blessed in Christ Jesus our Lord and soon coming King. 🌻🎉