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.
Prelude
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And my spirit exalts in God my savior
For he has looked with mercy on my lowliness
And my name will be forever exalted
For the mighty God has done great things for me
And His mercy will read from ages to ages
And holy, holy, holy is His name
And holy, holy, holy is His name
And holy, holy, holy is His name
The lyrics of John Michael Talbot's Prelude is a hymn that expresses one's gratitude towards God. The opening verse, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, And my spirit exalts in God my savior," speaks of the magnificence and wondrousness of God that one's soul can't help but declare. It goes on to mention how God, despite one's lowliness, has shown mercy and lifted them, exalting their name forever. It can be interpreted as an acknowledgment of one's sinfulness and unworthiness but also a realization of God's unending grace and mercy.
The refrain, "And holy, holy, holy is His name" is a reference to the hymn "Sanctus" that appears in the Catholic and Anglican liturgies. It emphasizes the holiness of God and is a declaration of his worthiness of praise and worship.
Overall, the hymn emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and praising God's greatness and mercy, recognizing oneself as a creature in need of mercy and salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
I declare with joy and honor the greatness of the Lord.
And my spirit exalts in God my savior
My spirit rejoices and praises God who has saved me.
For he has looked with mercy on my lowliness
God has shown me mercy despite my unworthiness and humility.
And my name will be forever exalted
My name will be revered and praised forever because of God's blessings.
For the mighty God has done great things for me
The powerful God has done remarkable things for me.
And His mercy will read from ages to ages
God's mercy will be talked about and celebrated for generations to come.
And holy, holy, holy is His name
God's name is sacred and deserving of eternal praise and worship.
And holy, holy, holy is His name
God's name is holy, holy, holy - it cannot be praised enough.
And holy, holy, holy is His name
God's name is most holy, glorious, and worthy of all honor and praise.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: John Michael Talbot
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind