John Michael Talbot (born May 8, 1954) is an American Roman Catholic singer… Read Full Bio ↴John Michael Talbot (born May 8, 1954) is an American Roman Catholic singer-songwriter-guitarist who is founder of a monastic community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity

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.

Without Guile
John Michael Talbot Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It is not for us to be wise
It is not for us to calculate our gain
We should be lowly and pure
As the children of the kingdom
Of the King
A King without guile

We should not seek

To be in charge of another
We should seek just to be the servants of all men
So those of us who must lead
Will lead as only they follow the King
Who leads without guile

Then we shall be the bride
Then we shall be the brothers
Then we shall be the mothers
Of our Lord
Born without guile

When the Holy Spirit
Is united with our soul
Within our heart and within our mind
The King shall be enthroned
Enthroned without guile

It is not for us to be wise
It is not for us to calculate our gain

Overall Meaning

The song Without Guile by John Michael Talbot is a profound exploration of what it means to be a follower of God. The opening lines immediately establish that wisdom and calculation are not the keys to a successful life in God's eyes. Instead, the singer urges listeners to be lowly and pure, like children of the kingdom. The reference to the "King without guile" speaks to the idea that God is completely pure, honest, and transparent, with no ulterior motives or hidden agendas.

The second verse emphasizes the importance of humility and service. Rather than seeking to be in charge of others, the singer says we should strive to serve all humanity, just as Jesus did. Those who are called to lead should do so with the same spirit of service, following the example of the King. The final lines of the verse remind us that we are all brothers and sisters, joined by our devotion to God.

The third verse speaks to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. When we open our hearts and minds to God's presence, we are changed. The King is enthroned within us, and we become part of his family. The idea of being "born without guile" suggests a kind of rebirth or renewal, as we shed our worldly concerns and become fully devoted to God.

Line by Line Meaning

It is not for us to be wise
We should not be arrogant in our intelligence

It is not for us to calculate our gain
We should not be consumed by selfish desires for material wealth

We should be lowly and pure
We should seek humility and purity in our hearts and actions

As the children of the kingdom
Like the innocent children of God's kingdom

Of the King
Of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

A King without guile
A ruler who is sincere and truthful

We should not seek
We should not have selfish ambition

To be in charge of another
To dominate or control others

We should seek just to be the servants of all men
We should humbly serve and love others, without discrimination

So those of us who must lead
For those who are called to lead

Will lead as only they follow the King
Leaders should follow the example of Jesus Christ, who was a servant leader