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.
I Abandon Myself
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do with me whatever You want
I will only be grateful for whatever You do
I'm prepared for anything at all
I abandon myself to Your will
Do with me whatever You want
I will only be grateful for whatever You do
I commit my life to Your hands
I offer it all up to You
With all the affection of my heart and my soul
Because, O Lord, I love You
I abandon myself to Your will
Do with me whatever You want
Without any conditions and with confidence
Because You are my God
I abandon myself to Your will
I abandon myself to Your will
I abandon myself to Your will
The lyrics to John Michael Talbot's "I Abandon Myself" are an expression of surrender and trust in God's plan for one's life. The repetition of the refrain "I abandon myself to Your will" emphasizes the idea of letting go of control and giving oneself completely to God's plan. The lyrics express a willingness to accept whatever may come, good or bad, with gratitude and an open heart.
The lines "Do with me whatever You want / I will only be grateful for whatever You do" reflect a deep trust in God's wisdom and love. The singer acknowledges that they may not understand the reasons behind certain events, but trusts that God has a plan and a purpose for everything. The commitment to love and serve God is evident in the lines "I commit my life to Your hands / I offer it all up to You / With all the affection of my heart and my soul / Because, O Lord, I love You."
The final repetition of "I abandon myself to Your will" reinforces the message of surrender and acceptance. This song can serve as a reminder to trust in God's plan for our lives, even amidst uncertainty or difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
I abandon myself to Your will
I give up control and submit to Your plan, Lord
Do with me whatever You want
I trust You fully, so I willingly accept any outcome You choose
I will only be grateful for whatever You do
Regardless of the situation, I choose gratitude and appreciation for Your work
I'm prepared for anything at all
I am ready for any challenge and hardship that may come my way
I commit my life to Your hands
My life is in Your care, and I entrust it to You completely
I offer it all up to You
I give my entire being to You, without holding anything back
With all the affection of my heart and my soul
I offer my love to You with everything I possess
Because, O Lord, I love You
My devotion to You is rooted in the deep love I have for You
Without any conditions and with confidence
I have no requirements or demands, only trust in Your goodness
Because You are my God
You are the center of my faith and the one I look to for guidance
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Joshua F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.