John Michael Talbot (born May 8, 1954) is an American Roman Catholic singer… Read Full Bio ↴John Michael Talbot (born May 8, 1954) is an American Roman Catholic singer-songwriter-guitarist who is founder of a monastic community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity

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.

Let Us Sing To The Lord
John Michael Talbot Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Let us sing to the Lord
He has covered himself in glory
Glory to God on high

Let us sing to the Lord
He has covered himself in glory
Glory to God on high

I will sing to the Lord
To the Lord for his victory
Horse and chariots cast in sea
I will praise the Lord
I will praise the Lord my God
The God of my father, I extol

Let us sing to the Lord
He has covered himself in glory
Glory to God on high

The Lord is mighty indeed
The Lord is a mighty warrior
He has conquered all our foes
He has cast down the foe
He has cast down the horse and chariot
In the wateers of the Red Sea

Let us sing to the Lord
He has covered himself in glory
Glory to God on high

Let us sing to the Lord
He has covered himself in glory
Glory to God

Glory to God
Glory to God on high

Overall Meaning

The song "Let Us Sing to the Lord" by John Michael Talbot is a powerful hymn of praise and worship to the Lord. The lyrics express the singers' desire to lift up their voices in joyful song to the Lord, who has covered himself in glory. The repetition of the phrase "Glory to God on high" emphasizes the singers' devotion to God and their recognition of his greatness and holiness.

The second verse continues to praise the Lord for his victory and power. The reference to the horse and chariots cast in the sea is a direct allusion to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in Exodus, where God delivered them from the pursuing Egyptian army. The singer declares their intention to praise God, extolling him as the God of their fathers.

The final verse emphasizes the Lord's might and power as a warrior who has conquered all their foes. The reference to the horse and chariot in the waters of the Red Sea further underscores the biblical imagery of God's deliverance and victory over his enemies. The repetition of "Glory to God" at the end of the song serves as a final exhortation to lift up their voices in praise and adoration.

Line by Line Meaning

Let us sing to the Lord
We should raise our voices in song to the Lord

He has covered himself in glory
The Lord has revealed his magnificent power and splendor

Glory to God on high
May God be praised and exalted in the highest

I will sing to the Lord
I personally will offer a song to the Lord

To the Lord for his victory
I will sing to the Lord in celebration of his victory

Horse and chariots cast in sea
The Lord has caused the horses and chariots of his enemies to be thrown into the sea

I will praise the Lord
I will give honor and adoration to the Lord

I will praise the Lord my God
I will honor the Lord who is my God

The God of my father, I extol
I lift up the God of my ancestors with praise and admiration

The Lord is mighty indeed
The Lord is exceedingly powerful

The Lord is a mighty warrior
The Lord fights valiantly and triumphantly