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 20
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
May the Lord answer in time of trial
May the name of Jacob′s God protect you!
May He send you help from his shrine
And give you support from Zion
May He remember all your offerings
May He give you your heart's desire
And fulfill every one of your plans
May we ring out our joy at your victory
And rejoice in the name of our God
May the Lord grant all your prayers
I am sure now that the Lord
Will give victory to his anointed
Will reply from His holy heavens
With the mighty victory of his hand
Some trust in chariots or horses
But we in the name of the Lord
They will collapse and fall
But we shall hold and stand firm
Give victory to the king O Lord
Give answer on the day we call
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 to John Michael Talbot’s song Psalm 20 is a prayer to God asking for protection, help, and victory in times of trials. The psalmist starts by acknowledging that God has crowned his bride with victory, and then proceeds to pray for God's help and protection. The psalmist prays that God would answer them in times of trials and protect them. They ask that God remembers all their offerings and receives their sacrifice with favor. The psalmist prays that God would give them the desires of their heart and fulfill every one of their plans. The psalmist also rejoices in the victories they have had and the victories God will give them. The psalmist then acknowledges that some trust in worldly possessions like chariots and horses, but they trust in the name of the Lord. They believe that those who rely on worldly possessions will collapse and fall, but those who trust in God will hold and stand firm. The psalmist concludes by giving glory to God, thanking Him for His love and protection.
Psalm 20 is originally a prayer in the book of Psalms, which contains prayers and hymns that were once sung by the people of Israel. John Michael Talbot got his inspiration from this psalm and wrote a song to preach its message. The song has been used in various religious services and Catholic masses. John Michael Talbot is a renowned Christian artist who has composed many religious songs and has won several awards for his work.
Line by Line Meaning
God has crowned his bride with victory
The Lord has bestowed triumph upon his chosen people
May the Lord answer in time of trial
May the Lord provide aid during times of hardship
May the name of Jacob's God protect you!
May the Lord safeguard you with his divine power
May He send you help from his shrine
May the Lord send relief from his holy dwelling
And give you support from Zion
May the Lord provide support from his holy city
May He remember all your offerings
May the Lord keep in mind all the sacrifices made to him
And receive your sacrifice with favor
And may the Lord accept those offerings with pleasure
May He give you your heart's desire
May the Lord fulfill your deepest wishes
And fulfill every one of your plans
And may the Lord make all your endeavors successful
May we ring out our joy at your victory
May we express our delight at your triumph
And rejoice in the name of our God
And find happiness in the Lord's name
May the Lord grant all your prayers
May the Lord fulfill all your requests
I am sure now that the Lord
I am confident that the Lord
Will give victory to his anointed
Will grant success to his chosen one
Will reply from His holy heavens
Will answer from his divine abode
With the mighty victory of his hand
With his powerful hand of triumph
Some trust in chariots or horses
Some rely on military might
But we in the name of the Lord
But we put our faith in the Lord's name
They will collapse and fall
They will crumble and fail
But we shall hold and stand firm
But we will remain steadfast and unshaken
Give victory to the king O Lord
Grant success to the king, O Lord
Give answer on the day we call
Answer us when we call upon you
Glory to the Father
Praise to the Father
And to the Son
And to the Son
And to the Holy Spirit
And to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning
As it was in the beginning
Is now and will be forever
Is now and forever will be
Amen
Amen
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Scarlett F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.