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.
The Hiding Place
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You saved me in my distress
You are my hid-ing place
You save me from distress
Y-o-u surround my soul
With cries of deliverance
Let every good man pray to you
Flood wa-ters may reach high
But him they shall not reach
Let every good man pray
In his hour of need
You are my hiding place, O Lord
You gaze into the se-crets of my soul
A hidden secret wastes my frame
I groan through the night and cry
Through the day
I will confess my sin
My guilt I will not hide
I will confess my pride
And God will forgive
You are my Hiding place, O Lord
You gaze into the se-crets of my soul
You are my Hiding place, O Lord
The lyrics to John Michael Talbot's song "The Hiding Place" are a testament to faith and the comfort that comes with knowing that there is an unconditionally loving God out there. The lyrics start with the statement "You are my hiding place, O Lord" which serves as a declaration of the singer's trust in God's protection. The lyrics also illustrate how God can save us from distress with the line "You saved me in my distress." The repetition of the line "You are my hiding place" further emphasizes the idea that God is the ultimate protector.
The lyrics also acknowledge the power of prayer, telling every good person to pray in their hour of need. The song presents the idea that it may seem like the floodwaters of our problems might reach high, but God will ensure that they do not reach us. Furthermore, the imagery of being surrounded by cries of deliverance serves as a reminder that God hears our pleas and delivers us from our troubles.
The lyrics also delve into the concept of confessing one's sins and being forgiven by God. The lines "I will confess my sin, my guilt I will not hide, I will confess my pride, and God will forgive" are a reminder that admitting and owning up to one's mistakes is an essential part of growing spiritually. The song ends with a repetition of the declaration "You are my hiding place, O Lord" emphasizing the unwavering faith and trust in God.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my hiding place, O Lord
You provide shelter and safety for me, O Lord
You saved me in my distress
You rescued me from trouble when I was in need
You surround my soul with cries of deliverance
You comfort me and protect me from harm
Let every good man pray to you in his hour of need
It is important for every righteous man to seek your help when they are in trouble
Flood waters may reach high, but him they shall not reach
Although troubles may come, the righteous man will be unharmed with your help
You gaze into the secrets of my soul
You know me deeply and understand me completely
A hidden secret wastes my frame
Keeping hidden secrets can harm my health and well-being
I groan through the night and cry through the day
The weight of my troubles makes me mourn day and night
I will confess my sin, my guilt I will not hide
I will openly admit my wrongdoing and not conceal my shame
And God will forgive
You will grant me forgiveness and mercy
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Jeremiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gokmengoral8812
+Kevin Von Zell This is a lie.
Jesus is Love of God, Light of God, Word of God, Son of God.
I was born in a muslim family. I learned about islam, muhammed and kuran. When I was a student, I studied Philosophia at university. While I was learning philosophy, I gave up believing in God.
But one day Jesus appeared to me in dreams.
He said that "I am truth, The world did not know what I did for them."
I did not know either. But I learned. He saves us...
He told me something about people and events. And He makes many miracles that other people have witnessed.
Now tell me "How someone who never actually lived did these things?
He is real and still alive. And He will come back one day.
How happy is the man who trusts Him
@russellprickett1652
You are my hiding place and my shield, I hope in Your word. Psalm 119:114
@m127diva
This is such a soothing reflection for evening prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Thank you, John Michael.
@virgil015
One of my all time favorite John Michael Talbot songs!
@briank06261973
One of my favorite John Michael Talbot songs.
@muppet7680
Beautiful, gentle and simply a blessing to listen to even after 25 years.
@MsBrigitte2012
Yes. 😊
@judithgrominger4253
One of my favorite songs from this artist. I thoroughly benefit from the song.
@telmoweber3322
One of the best of brother Talbot, penetrating in the soul
@climbtoglory5654
Where can I go but to you oh Lord? There is no other place. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
@msshinks1
I listened to this album all the way through nursing school. Still my favorite of all time.