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 Am The Resurrection
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I have made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide
'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
I will hold Your people in my heart
The song "Here I Am" by John Michael Talbot is a heartfelt expression of the singer's willingness to answer God's call to serve and help His people. The first stanza of the song speaks of God's omnipotence and His desire to save His people from the darkness of sin. The imagery of the stars and darkness portray the magnitude of God's power and the completeness of His control over the universe. The singer recognizes God's call and asks, "Whom shall I send?" with the assurance that whatever God commands, he is ready to obey.
The second stanza of the song speaks of God's concern for the poor and the weak. The singer affirms his readiness to serve the Lord in whatever way He desires, even if it means giving his own life for the people. The final line of the song, "I will hold Your people in my heart," is a powerful summary of the singer's willingness to be a living embodiment of God's love and grace towards those in need.
Overall, "Here I Am" is a beautiful song that conveys a deep devotion and love for God and His people. It reminds us of the importance of responding to God's call to serve others and to share His love and message of hope with those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
I, the Lord of sea and sky
The singer is God, who identifies their domain as both the sea and the sky.
I have heard my people cry
God acknowledges that they have heard their people calling out to them.
All who dwell in dark and sin
Those living in a state of darkness and sin are those in need of God's help.
My hand will save
God promises that they will be there to rescue those calling out to them.
I have made the stars of night
God is responsible for all aspects of creation, such as the stars in the night sky.
I will make their darkness bright
God will help to bring light to the darkness of those who call upon them.
Who will bear my light to them?
God is seeking someone who can carry their message of hope and light to those in need of it.
Whom shall I send?
God is searching for someone who will accept their mission and spread their teachings.
Here I am, Lord
The artist is offering themselves to God as the one to carry their message.
Is it I, Lord?
The artist is asking if they are the one that God is seeking to carry their message.
I have heard You calling in the night
The singer acknowledges that they have heard God's call for them to take on this mission.
I will go, Lord
The artist is accepting God's mission and will go where God sends them.
If You lead me
The singer is willing to follow God's guidance on this mission.
I will hold Your people in my heart
The singer promises to care for those in need and hold them close to their heart on this mission.
I, the Lord of wind and flame
God once again identifies themselves, this time with the elements of wind and flame.
I will tend the poor and lame
God promises to take care of those who are in need and suffering.
I will set a feast for them
God will provide abundance for those in need.
Finest bread I will provide
God promises to provide the best for those who are hungry and in need.
'Til their hearts be satisfied
God will work until those in need have been fully satisfied and their hearts are at peace.
I will give my life to them
God promises to give everything they have to those in need.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dan Schutte
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind