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.
Gloria
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And peace to His people on earth
Lord God heavenly King
Almighty God and Father
Glory to God in the highest
And peace to His people on earth
Lord God heavenly King
We worship You
We give you thanks
We praise You for Your glory
Glory, glory
Glory to God in the highest
And peace to His people on earth
Lord God heavenly King
Almighty God and Father
Glory to God in the highest
And peace to His people on earth
Lord God heavenly King
Almighty God and Father
You, Lord Jesus Christ
Only son of the Father
Lord God, Lamb of God
You take away our sin
Have mercy on us
Glory to God in the highest
And peace to His people on earth
Lord God heavenly King
Almighty God and Father
Lord God, Lamb of God
You take away the sin
You are seated at the right hand of the Father
Receive, receive our prayer
Glory to God in the highest
And peace to His people on earth
Lord God heavenly King
Almighty God and Father
For You alone are the Holy One
You alone are the Lord
You alone are the Most High God
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit
In the glory og God the Father
Glory to God in the highest
And peace to His people on earth
Lord God heavenly King
Almighty God and Father
Glory to God in the highest
And peace to His people on earth
Amen
The song "Gloria" by John Michael Talbot is a powerful declaration of praise and worship to God. The song begins by declaring "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth," echoing the angels' proclamation at the birth of Jesus in Luke 2:14. The song continues by recognizing God as Lord God heavenly King, Almighty God and Father. The chorus declares the worship, thanks, and glory to God. The second verse focuses on Jesus Christ, acknowledging him as Lord God, Lamb of God, and the one who takes away our sin. The pre-chorus declares mercy on us, and then the chorus repeats the declaration of glory and peace to all people on earth. The bridge proclaims Jesus Christ alone as the Holy One, the Lord, the Most High God, in the glory of God the Father. The song concludes with a final repetition of the chorus and the word "Amen."
Line by Line Meaning
Glory to God in the highest
We honor and praise God in the most exalted way
And peace to His people on earth
We pray for peace to all who live on earth
Lord God heavenly King
God, who rules over all heaven, is the Lord and King above all else
Almighty God and Father
God is all-powerful and the Father of all
We worship You
We give our complete devotion to You
We give you thanks
We express our gratitude and appreciation to You
We praise You for Your glory
We honor and glorify You for Your magnificent splendor
Glory, glory
Your glory will be forever praised and exalted
You, Lord Jesus Christ
You are our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Only son of the Father
You are the singular son of God the Father
Lord God, Lamb of God
You are the divine Lord and also the sacrificial Lamb of God
You take away our sin
You cleanse and redeem us from our sins
Have mercy on us
We ask for Your compassion and forgiveness
You are seated at the right hand of the Father
You are in the position of power and honor beside God the Father
Receive, receive our prayer
We ask that You hear and accept our entreaties
For You alone are the Holy One
You, and only You, are perfectly pure and sacred
You alone are the Lord
You, and only You, are the authoritative ruler and guide
You alone are the Most High God
You, and only You, are the supreme deity
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit
You are one with the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ
In the glory of God the Father
You are united in divine glory with God the Father
Amen
So may it be
Contributed by Logan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.