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.
Prayer For Guidance
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bring light to the darkness of my heart
Give me right faith, certain hope
And perfect charity
Lord, give me insight and wisdom
So I might always discern
Your holy and true will
Most High and glorious God
Bring light to the darkness of my heart
Give me right faith, certain hope
And perfect charity
Lord, give me insight and wisdom
So I might always discern
Your holy and true will
Most High and glorious God
Bring light to the darkness of my heart
Give me right faith, certain hope
And perfect charity
Lord, give me insight and wisdom
So I might always discern
Your holy and true will
The lyrics to John Michael Talbot's "Prayer For Guidance" express a deep desire for spiritual enlightenment and direction. The prayer begins by addressing God as the "Most High and glorious," and asking for Him to bring light into the darkness of the singer's heart. This is a metaphor for seeking clarity and understanding in one's spiritual journey. The singer then asks for three specific virtues: right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity. These virtues are seen as necessary for a fulfilling spiritual life.
The second stanza continues the prayer, asking for insight and wisdom to discern God's will. This is an acknowledgement that spiritual guidance is not always clear and that we need God's help to understand what He is calling us to do. The repetition of the first stanza at the end of the prayer reinforces the singer's earnest desire for spiritual enlightenment.
Overall, "Prayer For Guidance" is a humble and heartfelt plea for direction and clarity in one's spiritual journey. It recognizes the need for divine intervention and guidance to attain the virtues and understanding necessary for a fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
Most High and glorious God
Oh almighty and majestic God
Bring light to the darkness of my heart
Illuminate the gloom in my soul
Give me right faith, certain hope
Grant me the correct belief and unwavering expectation
And perfect charity
As well as absolute love
Lord, give me insight and wisdom
Dearest God, please endow me with understanding and discernment
So I might always discern
So that I can constantly distinguish
Your holy and true will
Your sacred and genuine purpose
Most High and glorious God
Oh almighty and majestic God
Bring light to the darkness of my heart
Illuminate the gloom in my soul
Give me right faith, certain hope
Grant me the correct belief and unwavering expectation
And perfect charity
As well as absolute love
Lord, give me insight and wisdom
Dearest God, please endow me with understanding and discernment
So I might always discern
So that I can constantly distinguish
Your holy and true will
Your sacred and genuine purpose
Most High and glorious God
Oh almighty and majestic God
Bring light to the darkness of my heart
Illuminate the gloom in my soul
Give me right faith, certain hope
Grant me the correct belief and unwavering expectation
And perfect charity
As well as absolute love
Lord, give me insight and wisdom
Dearest God, please endow me with understanding and discernment
So I might always discern
So that I can constantly distinguish
Your holy and true will
Your sacred and genuine purpose
Writer(s): TALBOT JOHN MICHAEL
Contributed by Nathan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.