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 15
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And dwell on your holy mountain?
He who walks with the Lord
He who acts with justice
And speaks the truth from his heart
He who does not slander with his tongue
Who casts no slur on his need
Who holds the godless in destine
But honors those who fear the Lord
He who keeps his bless on own name
Who takes no interest of the Lord
And accepts no bribes against the innocent
Such a man will stand firm forever
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 15 are a direct reflection of the Bible's Psalm 15. The song seeks to answer the question of who would be admitted to God's tent and dwell on His holy mountain. It lists several characteristics that are essential to such a person, painting a picture of one who walks in righteousness and truth, speaks kindly and honestly, and upholds justice and mercy.
The song's chorus ("Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit...") serves as a triumphant celebration of those who live up to the ideals laid out in the verses. The song is a call to righteousness and a reminder that those who seek to walk closely with God must do so with pure hearts and righteous deeds.
Overall, John Michael Talbot's song Psalm 15 provides listeners with a road map for righteous living, emphasizing the importance of acting justly, speaking honestly, and showing mercy and kindness to others.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent?
Who is worthy to be in Your presence and have a relationship with You?
And dwell on your holy mountain?
To abide in Your holy presence and receive Your blessings.
He who walks with the Lord
The person who lives in close relationship and obedience to God.
He who acts with justice
The person who lives a life that aligns with God's standard of right and wrong.
And speaks the truth from his heart
The person who is honest and sincere in their words and actions.
He who does not slander with his tongue
The person who does not speak ill of others or spread rumors and lies.
He who does no wrong to his neighbor
The person who treats others with kindness, respect, and fairness.
Who casts no slur on his need
The person who does not insult, criticize or belittle those in need.
Who holds the godless in destine
The person who opposes and stands against ungodly behavior and attitudes.
But honors those who fear the Lord
The person who respects and recognizes people who live in reverence and awe of God.
He who keeps his bless on own name
The person who lives a life pleasing to God and is concerned with their reputation.
Who takes no interest of the Lord
The person who does not profit by exploiting their relationship with God.
And accepts no bribes against the innocent
The person who does not cheat or take advantage of others, especially the vulnerable.
Such a man will stand firm forever
The person who lives a life in accordance with God's principles will have an enduring foundation.
Glory to the Father
Honoring God the Father, who is worthy of praise.
And to the Son
Honoring God the Son, who is one with the Father and our Savior.
And to the Holy Spirit
Honoring God the Holy Spirit, who is the source of wisdom, guidance, and strength.
As it was in the beginning
God has always existed and deserves our praise and devotion.
Is now
God is present and active in our lives today.
And will be forever
God's presence and sovereignty will endure for all eternity.
Amen
An affirmation of belief and agreement with the preceding statements.
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Isaac H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.