Lessons from a Troubadour: A Lifetime of Parables, Prose, and Stories

by John Michael Talbot

Master singer-storyteller John Michael Talbot’s concert meditations—heard and appreciated by millions of concert-goers over the last half-century—are now available in this unique volume. This collection of parables and stories reveals Talbot’s mystical, monastic heart and gives him an opportunity to present the Christian faith in holy and ordinary language. As John Michael Talbot’s music became more popular over the years, he began to immerse himself in the teachings of the contemplatives, mystics, and monastic fathers and mothers of the Christian tradition. In time he began to share some of that teaching with his audiences between songs during concerts and during retreats, parish missions, and diocesan conventions. While on stage, this Grammy-winning contemporary Christian music pioneer is known as much for his stories between songs as he is for his playing and singing. Fans of Talbot—the founder and spiritual father of an integrated monastic community—will savor his wise reflections on the mystery of the Trinity, the intimate love of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount as the heart of Christian teaching, and the need to find what he calls our own “inner room” for prayer and contemplation. Lessons from a Troubadour gathers this material into book form for the first time. Talbot’s words open an important window into understanding the Catholic faith. Both inspiring and practical, you’ll find ways to apply it to your daily life as well.

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2018

About the author

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 Bros." 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 formed 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.

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 library and many common areas were destroyed.

Reviews

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons from a Troubadour
A Lifetime of Parables, Prose, and Stories
by John Michael Talbot

Ave Maria Press
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 05 Oct 2018


I am reviewing a copy of Lessons from a Troubadour through Ave Marie Press and Netgalley:


John Michael Talbot’s concert meditations have been heard and appreciated by millions of those who have attended his concert over the last century are now available in this unique volume.


As John Michael Talbot’s music became popular over the years, he began to immerse himself in the teachings of the contemplatives, mystics and monastic fathers and mothers of the Christian tradition. Over time he started to share some of those teachings between songs, during retreats.



I give Lessons from a Troubadour five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Alaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I grew up hearing John Michael Talbot's music, and it has brought a lot of meaning to my reading of the Bible. This book is a series of reflections, some biographical, some theological, some mystical, some ecumenical. It is helpful to look at spirituality from a different perspective sometimes - breaking out of a pattern and broadening horizons. However, there was not a lot of substance or information here. Just a series of reflections, to use as you need. If you want some quick thoughts to ponder, this may be a good book for you. I would be glad to lend it out, but I'm not sure I will pick it up and read it again myself.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, inspirational and full of food for thought!
It's poetic and very well written. It can suggest ideas for any type of spirituality, non only Christian.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Ave Maria Press and Netgalley for this ARC

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite uplifting although my faith differs from that of the author in some points.
The topics covered are wide ranging and thought provoking.
Recommended.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary review.