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.
Psalm 131
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You cannot enter the kindom of God
O Lord, my heart is not proud
Nor haughty my eyes
I have not gone after things too great
Nor marvels beyond me
In silence and peace
As a child has rest in it's mothers arms
Even so my soul
O Israel, hope in the Lord
Both now and for ever
Glory to the Father
And to the Son
And to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning
Is now
And will be forever
Amen
The lyrics of John Michael Talbot's song Psalm 131 express the importance of humility and innocence when approaching God. The first line, "Unless you acquire the heart of a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God," is a reference to a passage in the Bible where Jesus tells his disciples that they must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. The use of "heart" here refers to a person's attitude and disposition, rather than their physical heart.
The rest of the lyrics are from the actual Psalm 131, which is a short psalm expressing trust and dependence on God, as well as contentment and peace in his presence. The psalmist acknowledges that their heart is not proud, and they have not sought after things that are beyond them. They have found peace by setting their soul in silence and resting in God's love, much like a child finds rest in their mother's arms. The psalm ends with a call to Israel to put their hope in the Lord.
Overall, the song Psalm 131 is a beautiful expression of trust and humility towards God, reminding listeners to approach him with the innocence and openness of a child.
Line by Line Meaning
Unless you acquire the heart of a child
In order to enter the kingdom of God, you must have a simple and innocent heart, like that of a child.
You cannot enter the kindom of God
Without the heart of a child, it is impossible to enter the kingdom of God.
O Lord, my heart is not proud
Dear Lord, I am not arrogant, nor do I think highly of myself.
Nor haughty my eyes
I am not overly concerned with my own appearance or status.
I have not gone after things too great
I am content with what I have and do not crave for more than what is necessary.
Nor marvels beyond me
I am not seeking miracles or extraordinary events that are beyond my understanding.
Truly I have set my soul
I have placed my innermost being and thoughts with complete assurance.
In silence and peace
In quietness and tranquility of my soul.
As a child has rest in it's mother's arms
Just as an infant feels safe in its mother's embrace, I am at peace in the Lord's presence.
Even so my soul
Thusly, my being is completely composed and peaceful.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
O people of Israel, trust in the Lord and rely on His guidance.
Both now and for ever
At present and forevermore.
Glory to the Father
Praise and honor to God the Father.
And to the Son
And also to Jesus Christ the Son of God.
And to the Holy Spirit
And likewise to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning
As it was at the very dawn of Creation.
Is now
The same thing that happened before still occurs at present.
And will be forever
And will continue to be the way it is for all eternity.
Amen
So be it.
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.