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.
Hymn To The Praises Of God
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The only God
And Your deeds are wonderful
You are strong
You are great
And You are the Most High
Almighty God
King of heaven and earth
You are love
You are wisdom
You are humility
You are rest
You are beauty
Joy and peace and gladness
You are our faith
Our great consolation
You are eternal life
Almighty God
Great and wonderful
Our merciful Saviour
Our merciful Saviour
The song "Hymn to the Praises of God" by John Michael Talbot is a beautiful portrayal of the glory and greatness of God. The lyrics begin with the declaration of God's holiness as the only God with His deeds being wonderful. This line acknowledges that God is unique and special, and His works reflect His majesty. The next lines describe God as strong, great, and the most high, indicating that there is no one who can compare to Him. The song then addresses God as Almighty, Holy Father, and King of heaven and earth. This line is a reminder that God is sovereign and rules over all.
The following verses of the song describe God's attributes as love, wisdom, humility, rest, beauty, and joy. The lyrics capture the essence of God's character and the comfort that comes from resting in Him. The song praises God for being the source of our faith, consolation, and eternal life. The final line reiterates the theme of God's mercy as our Savior, reminding us of His love and grace.
Overall, the song reminds us of the greatness of God, and it's an excellent way to reflect on His majesty and be in awe of His power.
Line by Line Meaning
Holy Lord
You are sacred and pure.
The only God
There is none like you; you are the one true God.
And Your deeds are wonderful
Your actions are amazing and awe-inspiring.
You are strong
You are mighty and powerful.
You are great
You are magnificent and extraordinary.
And You are the Most High
You are the supreme being, above all else.
Almighty God
You have unlimited power and strength.
Holy Father
You are sacred and the source of all life.
King of heaven and earth
You are the ruler of all creation.
You are love
You are characterized by affection and benevolence.
You are wisdom
You possess discernment and insight beyond measure.
You are humility
You exude modesty and humbleness.
You are rest
You provide peace and calmness.
You are beauty
You are characterized by loveliness and grace.
Joy and peace and gladness
You bring happiness, tranquility, and contentment.
You are our faith
You are the foundation of our beliefs and convictions.
Our great consolation
You give us comfort and solace.
You are eternal life
You offer everlasting existence that transcends death.
Almighty God
You have unlimited power and strength.
Great and wonderful
You are magnificent and extraordinary.
Our merciful Saviour
You show us compassion and offer us redemption.
Contributed by William N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.