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.
How Many And Wonderful
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are all Your works, oh Lord
You form the clouds in the heavens
You walk on the wings of the wind
You send forth the rivers
Into the valleys
You water creation from Your throne
Are all Your works, oh Lord
Created in wisdom
The heavens and earth
Are full of Your glory
How many and wonderful
Are all Your works, oh Lord
Created in wisdom
The heavens and earth
Are full of Your glory
The lyrics of John Michael Talbot's "How Many and Wonderful" are an expression of awe and admiration for God's creation. The singer marvels at the vastness and complexity of God's works, which include forming the clouds in the heavens, walking on the wings of the wind, sending forth rivers into the valleys, and watering creation from His throne. These works are a testament to God's power and wisdom, and they fill the heavens and earth with His glory.
The repetition of the phrase "How many and wonderful" emphasizes the singer's sense of wonder and amazement at the enormity of God's creation. The use of figurative language, such as "walking on the wings of the wind," adds to the poetic quality of the lyrics and underscores the idea that God's works are beyond human comprehension. The reference to God watering creation from His throne speaks to the divine providence that sustains all life on earth.
Talbot's "How Many and Wonderful" is a hymn of praise that celebrates God's creation and emphasizes the importance of recognizing His hand in all aspects of life. It is a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the divine power that sustains it.
Line by Line Meaning
How many and wonderful
The vastness and perfection of your creations are countless and awe-inspiring
Are all Your works, oh Lord
Everything you have created, from the largest to the smallest, is magnificent and magnificent only because of you.
You form the clouds in the heavens
You control the weather patterns and you design the formation of the clouds in the sky.
You walk on the wings of the wind
You have domination over the natural world, and even when invisible, you walk upon the wind.
You send forth the rivers
You have the power to make rivers flow and to direct them where they need to go, with the simple command.
Into the valleys
The water you grant us flows through the mountains and hills and into the valleys, where its power and life-giving force enhances plants and animals.
You water creation from Your throne
All the world receives life-giving water from you- the earth is like a plant, as it relies on this essential element for survival.
Created in wisdom
Your creation is made with perfect and intelligent design, allowing it to work together in harmony with each part of our world.
The heavens and earth
Everything in our world, from the vast universe to the smallest garden, has been crafted by you.
Are full of Your glory
Your majesty is evident throughout the universe, and everything testifies to Your power and goodness.
Contributed by Jayce W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.