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.
Lamb of God
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You take away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us
Lamb of God
You take away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us
You take away the sins of the world
Grant us peace
The lyrics of John Michael Talbot's song, "Lamb of God," are a deeply religious and spiritual acknowledgment of Jesus Christ's role as the savior of humanity. The song is sung to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The repetition of "Lamb of God" throughout the song emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial nature as he died on the cross to cleanse humanity's sins.
The line "Have mercy on us" acknowledges that humanity is imperfect and flawed, and that only through Jesus can we be forgiven for our sins. The repetition of this line infuses the song with a sense of humility and devotion, as the singer beseeches Jesus for mercy and forgiveness. The final line "Grant us peace" is a plea for inner peace and harmony - a desire to be free from the burden of guilt and conflict that sin creates. The song therefore speaks to the universal human desire for redemption and forgiveness.
Overall, "Lamb of God" is a powerful and emotional song that embodies the central messages of Christianity, including the themes of sacrifice, mercy and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Lamb of God
Jesus Christ, the symbolic sacrificial lamb, representing purity and innocence
You take away the sins of the world
Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus forgives and cleanses humanity of their sins
Have mercy on us
A plea for forgiveness and compassion from God, acknowledging human flaws and mistakes
Grant us peace
A request for inner tranquility and harmony amidst a chaotic world, a result of God's grace and guidance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind