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.
Gift Of Finest Wheat
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come give to us, O Saving Lord,
The Bread of Life to eat.
As when the shepherd calls his sheep,
they know and heed his voice,
so when you call your family Lord,
they follow and rejoice.
You satisfy the hungry heart, with gift of finest wheat
The Bread of Life to eat.
With joyful lips, we sing to you,
our praise and gratitude.
That you should count us worthy Lord
to share this Heavenly food.
You satisfy the hungry heart, with gift of finest wheat
Come give to us, O Saving Lord,
The Bread of Life to eat.
Come give to us, O Saving Lord,
The Bread of Life to eat.
Is not the cup we bless and share,
the blood of Christ outpoured?
Does not one cup, one loaf declare,
our Oneness in the Lord?
You satisfy the hungry heart, with gift of finest wheat
Come give to us, O Saving Lord,
The Bread of Life to eat.
You satisfy the hungry heart, with gift of finest wheat
Come give to us, O Saving Lord,
The Bread of Life to eat.
John Michael Talbot's song "Gift of Finest Wheat" is a tribute to the Eucharist, a central part of the Christian faith. The lyrics speak of the Lord satisfying the hungry heart with the gift of the finest wheat, referring to the body and blood of Jesus Christ, which is believed by Christians to be present in the Eucharist. The song also speaks of the joy and gratitude of sharing in this sacrament, recognizing the worthiness of being counted among those who partake in the Heavenly food.
The first verse of the song draws a parallel between the Lord calling his family and the shepherd calling his sheep, highlighting the intimate relationship between the Lord and his followers. The chorus repeats the idea of the Lord satisfying the hungry heart with the gift of finest wheat and asks for this bread of life to be given to the listeners. The second verse speaks of the joy and gratitude that should come with receiving the sacrament, recognizing the love and grace that allow us to partake in it. Finally, the third verse refers to the cup and the loaf, both symbols of the Eucharist and the oneness that Christians share through this sacrament.
In "Gift of Finest Wheat," John Michael Talbot masterfully conveys the profound significance of the Eucharist in Christian worship, encompassing themes of gratitude, unity, love, and grace. The song has become a cherished hymn in many Christian communities and is often sung during the Communion service. Its timeless lyrics and soulful melody continue to inspire and uplift believers worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
You satisfy the hungry heart, with gift of finest wheat
Lord, you fulfill our spiritual hunger by providing us with the best of blessings.
Come give to us, O Saving Lord,
The Bread of Life to eat.
We pray for your divine grace to give us the holy bread of life.
As when the shepherd calls his sheep,
they know and heed his voice,
so when you call your family Lord,
they follow and rejoice.
Just as sheep know the voice of their shepherd, so do your followers Lord, recognize your call and joyfully follow you.
With joyful lips, we sing to you,
our praise and gratitude.
That you should count us worthy Lord
to share this Heavenly food.
We express our gratitude and praise to you, Lord, for counting us worthy to partake in the holy and divine food.
Is not the cup we bless and share,
the blood of Christ outpoured?
Does not one cup, one loaf declare,
our Oneness in the Lord?
Isn't the cup we share, and bless the symbol of the blood of Christ? Doesn't it represent the oneness we have in you, Lord?
You satisfy the hungry heart, with gift of finest wheat
Come give to us, O Saving Lord,
The Bread of Life to eat.
Lord, you provide for our spiritual hunger by giving us the best of blessings. We pray for your divine grace to give us the holy bread of life.
Contributed by Grayson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.