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.
Walk With Jesus
John Michael Talbot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All life long
Walk, walk, walk
Walk with Jesus
Walk, walk, walk
Walk with the Lord
Through the night, night, night
We must walk, walk, walk
Walk with the Lord
He's a light, a light, a light
Light in the darkness
He's a light, light, light
Light for your soul
All life long
All life long
When you walk
Into the darkness
Reach out for
The hand of the Lord
Hold on to
The hand of Jesus
He will never
Let you go
Take the hand
Of the Savior
Take the hand
Of the Lord
All life long
All life long
All life long
All life long
Walk, walk, walk
Walk with Jesus
Walk, walk, walk
Walk with the Lord
Through the night, night, night
The night of your darkness
We must walk, walk, walk
Walk with the Lord
He's a light, a light, a light
Light in the darkness
He's a light, light, light
Light for your soul
All life long
All life long
The lyrics of John Michael Talbot's song "Walk With Jesus" highlight the importance of faith and trust in God during times of darkness and struggles. The repetition of the phrase "walk with Jesus" emphasizes the continuous journey of a person's life, where faith and reliance on God should be present throughout. The opening lines of "All life long" suggest that this journey is not just a one-time event but a constant process that one must go through.
The song also recognizes the presence of darkness in life, symbolized by the phrase "night of your darkness." However, the lyrics offer hope and assurance in the light of Jesus that can uplift and guide those who are lost. The line "He's a light for your soul" reinforces the idea that God's presence can enlighten and nourish one's spiritual life. The chorus's repetition of "walk with the Lord" serves as a reminder of the essential act of walking alongside God, even in the most challenging parts of life.
In essence, the song encourages listeners to turn to God and trust in his guidance during the dark times of life. It emphasizes the need to hold onto faith and believe in the light that God offers to those who seek him.
Line by Line Meaning
All life long
Throughout your entire life
Walk, walk, walk
Continue to move forward
Walk with Jesus
Walk alongside Jesus
Walk with the Lord
Walk alongside God
Through the night, night, night
Through the dark times
The night of your darkness
The time of your struggles and hardships
We must walk, walk, walk
We must keep moving forward
He's a light, a light, a light
Jesus is a beacon of light
Light in the darkness
Hope in the midst of darkness
Light for your soul
Spiritual guidance and comfort
When you walk
When you are moving forward
Into the darkness
Into difficult times
Reach out for
Ask for help
The hand of the Lord
God's guidance and strength
Hold on to
Remain steadfast
The hand of Jesus
Jesus' guidance and support
He will never
Jesus will always
Let you go
Abandon or forsake you
Take the hand
Accept help
Of the Savior
Of Jesus Christ
Of the Lord
Of God
Writer(s): John Michael Talbot
Contributed by Gianna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.