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.
May I Never Boast
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Save the cross of the Lord
The cross of Jesus Christ
Through it the world has been crucified to me
And I to the life of the world
Through the cross of Jesus Christ
Peace and mercy on all
Who follow this rule of life
The Israel of God
Henceforth let no man trouble me
For I bear the marks of the Lord
The marks of Jesus Christ
All that matters now is one created anew
Peace and mercy on all
Who follow this rule of life
The Israel of God
May I never boast of anything
Save the cross of the Lord
The song "May I Never Boast" is about the importance of humility and recognizing the true source of one's salvation. The lyrics speak of how the only thing one should ever boast about is the cross of the Lord and Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to the singer and the singer to the life of the world. The song emphasizes that all that truly matters now is being created anew and following the rule of life that leads to peace and mercy, which are gifts from the Israel of God. Finally, the song speaks of the marks of the Lord that the singer bears, emphasizing the Christian belief in the importance of bearing witness to their faith through how they live their lives.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was written and performed by John Michael Talbot, who is known for his contributions to contemporary Christian music. Talbot is a multi-talented artist who has written over 50 albums and has been active in Christian music since the 1970s. Another interesting fact is that Talbot is also a lay brother in the Catholic Church, and his music frequently reflects his faith and spiritual convictions.
Another interesting fact about the song is that it is based on Galatians 6:14, which reads, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." This biblical passage encourages Christians to focus on the cross of the Lord as the center of their faith and to avoid prideful boasting about their own accomplishments or qualities.
The song has been covered by various Christian artists over the years, and it remains a popular hymn in many churches today. Its simple yet powerful message of humility and devotion to the cross of the Lord has resonated with many listeners and continues to inspire people of faith around the world.
Chords:
Verse 1:
D A D
May I never boast of anything
D A D
Save the cross of the Lord
D A D
The cross of Jesus Christ
Chorus:
G D A
All that matters now is one created anew
G D A
Peace and mercy on all
G D A
Who follow this rule of life
G D A
The Israel of God.
Line by Line Meaning
May I never boast of anything
I pray that I will never take pride in anything that I have accomplished or acquired
Save the cross of the Lord
Except for the cross of Jesus Christ, which is the only thing worthy of boasting about
Through it the world has been crucified to me
The cross has allowed me to detach from the pleasures and temptations of the world, making them insignificant to me
And I to the life of the world
I have died to the ways of the world and am now living a new life in Christ
All that matters now is one created anew
The only important thing now is to be reborn in Christ
Peace and mercy on all
May God's peace and mercy be upon everyone
Who follow this rule of life
Those who live by the teachings of Christ
The Israel of God
The true people of God, those who have been chosen by Him
Henceforth let no man trouble me
From now on, I will not let anyone disturb my faith in Christ
For I bear the marks of the Lord
I have been marked by Jesus Christ and belong to Him
All that matters now is one created anew
The only important thing now is to be reborn in Christ
Peace and mercy on all
May God's peace and mercy be upon everyone
Who follow this rule of life
Those who live by the teachings of Christ
The Israel of God
The true people of God, those who have been chosen by Him
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.