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.
Glory To Thee
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Glory to Thee, O God
Glory to Thee, O God of life
Glory to Thee, O God
For the guiding lamp of the ocean
Thy hand on the rudder's helm
Thy love behind the billows
Glory to Thee, O God of life
Glory to Thee, O God
Glory to Thee, O God of life
Glory to Thee, O God
Be my prayer, O God
In accord with Thy sanctifying
Be my heart, O God
In accord with Thy loving care
Glory to Thee, O God of life
Glory to Thee, O God
Glory to Thee, O God of life
Glory to Thee, O God
Be my deed on the land
In accord with Thy satisfying
Be my wish on the sea
In accord with Thy holy plan
Glory to Thee, O God of life
Glory to Thee, O God
Glory to Thee, O God of life
Glory to Thee, O God
The lyrics of John Michael Talbot's song "Glory To Thee" express gratitude and praise towards God for His guidance and love in all aspects of the singer's life. The first verse specifically acknowledges God's hand on the rudder's helm as a guiding force through the challenging and unpredictable waters of life, and His love as the underlying support that carries the singer through difficult times. The repetition of "Glory to Thee, O God" emphasizes the singer's reverence and devotion to God as the ultimate source of life and inspiration.
The second verse expresses the singer's desire to align his prayers, heart, deeds, and wishes with God's sanctifying and holy plan. This verse reflects the singer's understanding that true fulfillment and happiness can only come from living in harmony with God's will. The overall message of the song is one of surrender and trust in God's wisdom and guidance, as the singer seeks to live a life of purpose and meaning according to God's plan.
Line by Line Meaning
Glory to Thee, O God of life
We give You honor, O God who gives and sustains life
Glory to Thee, O God
We give You honor, O God who is all-knowing and all-powerful
Glory to Thee, O God of life
We give You honor, O God who is the source of all life
Glory to Thee, O God
We give You honor, O God who deserves all praise
For the guiding lamp of the ocean
We recognize and thank You for the light that guides us through the uncertainties of life
Thy hand on the rudder's helm
We acknowledge that You are the one who steers our lives in the right direction, giving us purpose and direction
Thy love behind the billows
We are comforted by the knowledge that Your love never leaves us, even in the midst of life's storms
The wind within my sails
We recognize that it is Your power that propels us forward, giving us strength to face life's challenges
Be my prayer, O God
We ask that You guide our words and thoughts as we seek to communicate with You
In accord with Thy sanctifying
We pray that our prayers align with Your holy will and purpose
Be my heart, O God
We ask that You fill our hearts with Your love and goodness
In accord with Thy loving care
We pray that our emotions and desires are in line with Your compassionate nature
Be my deed on the land
We ask that You direct our actions as we seek to serve You and others
In accord with Thy satisfying
We pray that our deeds are pleasing to You and satisfy Your desires for us
Be my wish on the sea
We ask that You guide our goals and aspirations, especially in the midst of uncertainty and change
In accord with Thy holy plan
We pray that our hopes and dreams align with Your divine purpose and plan for our lives
Glory to Thee, O God of life
We give You honor, O God who gives and sustains life
Glory to Thee, O God
We give You honor, O God who is all-knowing and all-powerful
Glory to Thee, O God of life
We give You honor, O God who is the source of all life
Glory to Thee, O God
We give You honor, O God who deserves all praise
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Alexandra M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.