It's one of those topics most of us would rather avoid in conversation -- why would anyone want to reveal private jealousies, resentments, fantasies, temptations, or other weaknesses? Yet steady sales of this valuable little book attest that there are plenty of us who struggle with sinful thoughts -- and desire help. For anyone who wavers at times between obeying the voice of the conscience and giving in to the lower nature, this book offers sage advice for coming through the struggle. Drawing on years of experience as a pastoral counselor, Arnold guides the reader from the throes of frustration and guilt to a life of freedom and joy.

"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner." These words from the Eastern Christian tradition have strengthened and comforted believers for centuries. In these pages, John Michael Talbot explores the roots of this Jesus Prayer along with the theological and practical meaning of each word for believers today. He ends each chapter with a brief practice using the prayer. Come discover how the Jesus Prayer can renew and enrich your spiritual life.

What do spiritual gifts have to do with our daily lives?

Spiritual gifts are more than just ancient wisdom to be studied. They are practical components of our everyday lives.

Famed songwriter and musician John Michael Talbot—an early proponent of the unified Charismatic and Catholic movement --weaves together prayer, biblical teaching, songs, and contemplative thought to examine the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Chapters focus on:

• Speaking in tongues and its interpretation
• Healing and the divine power of the body, soul, and spirit
• Prophecy and being empowered to show God’s truth
• Miracles and other supernatural interventions
• Discernment and the types of spirits

Tap Into the Wisdom of the Mystics

"For too long the moral has been a substitute for the mystical. This fine study places the mystics back at the center of Christianity. These spiritual elders tell us that all true religion must be grounded in experiential knowledge of God, 'a lump in the throat, ' and not just ideas about God."
--Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico

"In this day and age when our feet and our hearts seem to go in so many different directions--how good it is to find in this book an offering of earthy men and women whose feet and hearts were drawn like a magnet to the Divine. The Way of the Mystics will be a very good companion for anyone who is searching for intimacy with God. I joyfully recommend it."
--Macrina Wiederkehr, O.S.B., monastic, author, spiritual guide

"John Michael Talbot is a faithful worshiper of our Savior, whose music and meditations not only refresh many, but whose witness reminds us of the breadth of the scope of vital, living witness throughout the whole Body of Christ, and how much we who love Jesus Christ have to give to each other of our mutual growth and benefit."
--Jack W. Hayford, chancellor, The King's College and Seminary, Los Angeles, California

The spirituality and lives of the desert fathers and mothers are often seen as the beginning and end of Christian monastic life. Their stories and messages inspire not only the most devout Christians but also the "nones" and the "dones." In Desert Dangers and Delights John Michael Talbot reflects on his experience as a spiritual father and a popularizer of Catholic Christian spirituality through his music and teaching. He uses his own stories, Scripture, and the stories and sayings of the desert fathers and mothers to show a radically alternative way of living and thinking in Christ. With questions for reflection at the end of each chapter, this book will aid all readers, from experienced monastics to those just beginning a spiritual journey with Christ.

John Michael Talbot's Reflections on St. Francis offers readers an accessible entrance into the Rule and Testament of St. Francis of Assisi. Talbot's reflections shed light on Francis as a saint, a founder, and a reformer. Drawing on his own experience as the founder of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage, an integrated monastic community of celibates, singles, and families, Talbot provides unique observations on how Francis's life and the Franciscan tradition can be a source of inspiration for those of all states of life even today. These meditations allow readers to contemplate the ways in which prayer, community, and simplicity can be integrated into their own lives while also giving readers Talbot's distinct interpretation of Francis's work.

"Blessings of St. Benedict" is a devotional that brings the Rule of St. Benedict to al people of every state of life. In these brief and accessible reflections on this ancient monastic rule, John Michael Talbot offers simple and timeless monastic wisdom for everyone. Dipping into the well of spirituality that is both practical and mystical, this book is designed for both monastics and monastics at heart.

"John Michael Talbot was born in Oklahoma City in 1954 and grew up in Indianapolis. He moved to Arkansas and founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage in 1982, an integrated monastic community of celibates, singles who can marry, families, and domestics who live in their own homes. He still serves as minister general. He was a founding artist of Sparrow Records in 1976. After a successful career with Sparrow, in 1992 John Michael founded his own record label, Troubadour for the Lord, and is now recognized as one of Catholic music's most popular artists. Talbot is author of "Reflections on St. Francis" (Liturgical Press, 2009) and "The Universal Monk" (Liturgical Press, 2011). He has been married to Viola Talbot since 1989 and leads an active concert and teaching ministry from his home at Little Portion Hermitage Monastery."

The life of St. Francis of Assisi was a paradigm of simplicity, humanity, and love. In today's busy world, his practices have enormous appeal, described in this inspiring work by John Michael Talbot, the founder of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a lay order based on the Franciscan principles of simplicity and self-sufficiency. In The Lessons Of St. Francis, Talbot and co-author Steve Rabey demonstrate the enduring significance of Franciscan wisdom. Organized by topic, such as Simplicity, Humility, Compassion, Solitude, Service, and Prayer, each chapter includes excerpts from the writings of St. Francis, as well as those of his followers and biographers. Combining deep spiritual insights with the offer of a saner, less chaotic way of living, The Lessons Of St. Francis offers wise advice on how to incorporate these virtues into our own lives today.

"The Universal Monk" is about the monk in al of us. In today's fast- paced and often fractured culture we al seek inner peace and unity. "The Universal Monk" is a powerful way for everyone of any state of life to find it. It is written from John Michael Talbot's experience in public international ministry and as founder and spiritual father of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a new integrated monastic community of celibates, singles who can marry, and families who live in an integrated monastery or in their own homes. It walks us through a treatment of the current issues that face us? Such as the great recession, political polarization, and the sex abuse crises in the church? With real spiritual and lifestyle answers that come from a fully unified and integrated life in God. If you are tired of the same old, same old," this book is for you

"John Michael Talbot was born in Oklahoma City in 1954 and grew up in Indianapolis. He moved to Arkansas and founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage in 1982, which he still serves as minister general. He was a founding artist of Sparrow Records in 1976. After a successful career with Sparrow, in 1992 John Michael founded his own record label, Troubadour for the Lord, and is now recognized as one of Catholic music's most popular artists. Talbot is author of "Reflections on St. Francis" (Liturgical Press). He has been married to Viola Talbot since 1989 and leads an active concert and teaching ministry from his home at Little Portion Hermitage Monastery.""