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.
Blest Be the Lord
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The God of mercy, the God who saves
I shall not fear the dark of night
Nor the arrow that files by day
He will release me from the nets of all my fault
He will protect me from their wicked hands
Beneath the shadow of His wings, I will rejoice
Blest Be the Lord, blest Be The Lord
The God of mercy, the God who saves
I shall not fear the dark of night
Nor the arrow that files by day
Blest Be the Lord, blest Be The Lord
The God of mercy, the God who saves
I shall not fear the dark of night
Nor the arrow that files by day
Blest Be the Lord, blest Be The Lord
The God of mercy, the God who saves
I shall not fear the dark of night
Nor the arrow that files by day
Blest Be the Lord
The song "Blest Be the Lord" by John Michael Talbot is a song of faith and assurance that God will always provide for us and protect us from harm. The repeated phrase "Blest be the Lord" is a declaration of praise and thanksgiving for all the good things God provides. The opening lines describe God as the God of mercy and salvation and how the singer will not fear any danger, not even in the darkest of nights or in the face of threats during the day.
The next verse talks about how God will release the singer from the snares of their own faults and protect them from the hands of wicked people. The imagery of being under the shadow of His wings is a powerful image of a bird sheltering its young, providing security and comfort. The singer declares that this is where they will rejoice and find a secure dwelling place.
The final verses repeat the opening lines as a kind of refrain, emphasizing the message of the song that God provides protection, salvation, mercy, and security for those who believe in Him.
Overall, "Blest Be the Lord" is a powerful and uplifting song that celebrates the goodness of God and the security that faith in Him provides.
Line by Line Meaning
Blest Be the Lord, blest Be The Lord
Praised and glorified is the Lord, for He is worthy of all adoration and honor.
The God of mercy, the God who saves
He is a God of loving-kindness and compassion, who rescues His people from their troubles and afflictions.
I shall not fear the dark of night
I will not be afraid of any impending danger or trouble that comes in the form of darkness or obscurity.
Nor the arrow that files by day
Likewise, I will not be afraid of any unexpected attack or threat that comes in the form of a flying arrow during the day.
He will release me from the nets of all my fault
He will forgive me of all my wrongdoings and free me from the traps and snares of sin that entangle me.
He will protect me from their wicked hands
He will shield me from the evil and harmful intentions of those who seek to harm or oppress me.
Beneath the shadow of His wings, I will rejoice
Underneath His protective care and provision, I will find joy and comfort.
To find a dwelling place secure
I will have a safe and secure place to dwell in, protected by the Lord's loving care and provision.
Contributed by Julia P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.