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The Lessons of Saint Francis: How to Bring Simplicity and Spirituality into Your Daily Life by John Michael Talbot
The inspiring example of a beloved, profoundly human saint provides gentle guidance on the path to peacefulness and joy in a hectic age. Combining deep spiritual insights with the offer of a saner, less chaotic way of living, the book offers wise advice on how to incorporate these virtues in our own lives today. Includes dozens of meditations, exercises, and practical suggestions. 20 b&w photos.
Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
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About the author
John Michael Talbot
91 books45 followersTalbot 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 30, 2019
This book was given to me one year ago by a close friend who knew how much I love St. Francis.
She must have noticed the little puja to him in my kitchen alcove and statuary of him in my front garden, both of which she saw the night she came to my house for a holiday dinner with book in hand.
As it turns out, Francis was even more of a zealot about God than I am about him. In fact, he was so exuberant in his demonstrative love of God that his followers felt the need to protect him from being locked up at the looney farm.
The parts I liked least about this book were the passages where the author talks about his own hermitage. The best part was at the end about why and how to pray and what loving God really means--how much control you have to give up to really be in sync with God's will for you, although the word "control" is not in this book much at all.
I enjoyed reading about how influential Francis was in overturning the feudal system and ushering in new thinking that became the Renaissance. His place in secular history is almost as important as his place in the realm of saints.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a spiritual recharge, certainly anyone who likes biography, along with environmentalists and animal lovers.
She must have noticed the little puja to him in my kitchen alcove and statuary of him in my front garden, both of which she saw the night she came to my house for a holiday dinner with book in hand.
As it turns out, Francis was even more of a zealot about God than I am about him. In fact, he was so exuberant in his demonstrative love of God that his followers felt the need to protect him from being locked up at the looney farm.
The parts I liked least about this book were the passages where the author talks about his own hermitage. The best part was at the end about why and how to pray and what loving God really means--how much control you have to give up to really be in sync with God's will for you, although the word "control" is not in this book much at all.
I enjoyed reading about how influential Francis was in overturning the feudal system and ushering in new thinking that became the Renaissance. His place in secular history is almost as important as his place in the realm of saints.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a spiritual recharge, certainly anyone who likes biography, along with environmentalists and animal lovers.
September 11, 2008
I read "The Lessons of Saint Francis" with my 20s/30s Sunday school class at, of all places, St. Francis UMC in Cary, NC, so unlike many of the other books I have read on here, I had a purpose other than just enjoyment in reading it.
Let me start off by saying this is not a bad book. I didn't hate it. But it did leave me personally a little flat. The author, John Michael Talbot, is an ex-hippie, ex-evangelical, Franciscan devotee (for lack of a better description). He follows the teachings of Francis of Assisi, the famous medieval ascetic friar and saint. He attempts to expound on the virtues of Francis' life and make them relevant to the lives of modern Christians. While he does do this at times, the value of this book is limited by the admiration, adoration, and adulation he heaps upon the saint. Francis was an admirable person, and he is someone from whom Christians should learn various traits. But the sun does not rise and set with him. Flowers didn't spring from his footsteps. His you-know-what didn't smell sweeter than most (and considering the bathing habits of medieval people, especially ascetic mystics, I'd wager it smelled worse). If you read any of the early biographies of Francisand can get past the sugary-sweet praise of the saint, you find that he was also a bit off his rocker at times. Talbot, like those early biographers, praises these eccentricities as if they were manna from heaven. But, I'm sorry, if someone is so crazy as to run out in the middle of the night and ring the church bell while shouting, "Look at the moon! Look at the moon!" and waking up all his neighbors, he doesn't deserve to be showered with praise; he deserves to be showered with the garden hose.
Anyway, my rant aside, Francis was an interesting human being, and one worthy of emulation in some respects. Talbot just fails to see the fact that Francis wasn't just a saint, he was a human being with many flaws.
Let me start off by saying this is not a bad book. I didn't hate it. But it did leave me personally a little flat. The author, John Michael Talbot, is an ex-hippie, ex-evangelical, Franciscan devotee (for lack of a better description). He follows the teachings of Francis of Assisi, the famous medieval ascetic friar and saint. He attempts to expound on the virtues of Francis' life and make them relevant to the lives of modern Christians. While he does do this at times, the value of this book is limited by the admiration, adoration, and adulation he heaps upon the saint. Francis was an admirable person, and he is someone from whom Christians should learn various traits. But the sun does not rise and set with him. Flowers didn't spring from his footsteps. His you-know-what didn't smell sweeter than most (and considering the bathing habits of medieval people, especially ascetic mystics, I'd wager it smelled worse). If you read any of the early biographies of Francisand can get past the sugary-sweet praise of the saint, you find that he was also a bit off his rocker at times. Talbot, like those early biographers, praises these eccentricities as if they were manna from heaven. But, I'm sorry, if someone is so crazy as to run out in the middle of the night and ring the church bell while shouting, "Look at the moon! Look at the moon!" and waking up all his neighbors, he doesn't deserve to be showered with praise; he deserves to be showered with the garden hose.
Anyway, my rant aside, Francis was an interesting human being, and one worthy of emulation in some respects. Talbot just fails to see the fact that Francis wasn't just a saint, he was a human being with many flaws.
October 8, 2019
I read Talbot's book on putting the lessons learned from St. Francis into our every lives along with Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. I felt both authors from two very difference denominations were aspiring to a simple purpose, bringing their readership into a practical and celebratory life with Chris Jesus. The best chapter in Talbot's book was on peace, as this has been a subject i've been interested in studying within the Christian perspective for some time now. The only bumps in the road for this book is this is very much from Talbot's perspective as a Franciscan monk or quasi monk, i wasn't really clear on that. He's a former hippie and lives in a commune and is apparently a folk rock country whatever musician and he never misses an opportunity to tell you. Besides that, which is really laughable and not sinister in any way, his intention is pure and spiritually driven.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding on the spiritual disciplines.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding on the spiritual disciplines.
February 14, 2013
I was a bit disappointed by this book. I really didn't learn anything I hadn't known before. It annoyed me that Talbot would begin to discuss a "Franciscan" ideal and then back it up with a quotation from a different saint or religious figure. I understand the presented idea, just not what makes that particularly Franciscan.
We learned a lot about the author's life and how the friars of his community practice, but frankly that doesn't interest me as much as the Franciscan philosophy does and how Francis translated his ideals into his everyday life.
It wasn't completely useless, just not what I expected.
We learned a lot about the author's life and how the friars of his community practice, but frankly that doesn't interest me as much as the Franciscan philosophy does and how Francis translated his ideals into his everyday life.
It wasn't completely useless, just not what I expected.
December 12, 2009
Bought and read this after attending a retreat conducted by John Michael Talbot at Little Portion Hermitage, AR, back in 1998 with my sister. Wonderful retreat and book!
March 29, 2019
This book is beautifully organized and written in a simple way that is comforting. There are many great reminders here about how to simplify and reorient your life to what is most important.
July 5, 2023
I would read some, put it down and other books took its place. I would pick it up again and continue reading…for a long time. I finally finished it! What a journey this book had gone on with me and I along with it. I believe I was meant to take this book in little chucks and go out, then return to it. I am very thankful that I stayed the course and finished the book. A great resource to any library.
June 6, 2015
In the title line of this book, it reads, "A Monk's Guide to Daily Life". That is exactly what i was able to take away from this book... a guide to daily life. I am not a religious, nor am i considering a vocation to the religious life ; nevertheless , this book spoke to me. It gave insight on the ways of a simple monk and how his humble life of simplicity , quiet meditation , prayer, and service achieved for him lasting joy. After all, isn't everyone's goal in life to achieve peace for themselves ? St. Francis was able to obtain this grace for himself though the divine help from above, and by practicing the lessons he preached which are summarized in this book. I recommend The Lessons from St. Francis to anyone who's life is devoid of peace. His teachings offer ways to help tame the restless by ways of a simple life.
August 2, 2013
John Michael Talbot helps one read St. Francis and then think through what he means for today. Since JMT is a goldmine of information on the various saints and monastics, he has the background needed to understand Francis in his own situation and then translating that to what it might mean in our situation. This is not a book you read right through, but a book you read slowly and then think about. Yet it is also an easy read in terms of language, although challenging in terms of ideas.
September 2, 2021
I've read this book three times now. I just love Saint Francis and his example of simplicity, generosity and love. If everyone lived even a little bit more like him, this world would be a seriously amazing place.
November 26, 2017
With my head being in a number of these spaces already, the book was a very easy read. A lot of the content seems like common sense, but it takes a conscious effort to put it into practice.
November 21, 2021
Practical tips garnered from the life of a true mystic
August 16, 2025
Boek 4 van de vakantie, gekocht in de museumwinkel van de kathedraal in Assisië. Met een saaiere voorkant. Iets te Amerikaans, de lessen werden in voorgeschreven regels gegeven, maar wat eraan voorafging, de interpretatie van de schrijver van het leven van Franciscus, dat was interessant. De schrijver woont zelf in een lekengemeenschap van Fransiscanen in Amerika en probeert de lessen in zijn eigen leven toe te passen. Het was leuk om de 12 waarden van Franciscus te horen en te zien hoe radicaal deze heilige zijn eigen regels toepaste in zijn leven; hij wilde leven zoals Jezus. Voor een gewoon mens niet te doen eigenlijk. Maar die waarden zijn de moeite waard en daar kun je als gewoon mens misschien wel wat mee: eenvoud, vreugde, eenzaamheid, bescheidenheid, creativiteit, kuisheid, gemeenschapszin, compassie, schepping, dienstbaarheid, vrede, gebed.
Waar het eigenlijk om ging, in het leven van Franciscus en iets wat denk ik belangrijk is in ieders leven: de afwisseling en balans tussen afgezonderd zijn, in eenzaamheid leven, open staan voor wat er komen gaat en het leven tussen de mensen, met de dingen die je te doen hebt. En wat je dan te doen hebt, dat ontdek je in die afzondering, als je open staat voor iets wat niet van jouzelf komt, maar van God, of hoe je dat ook wilt noemen.
Waar het eigenlijk om ging, in het leven van Franciscus en iets wat denk ik belangrijk is in ieders leven: de afwisseling en balans tussen afgezonderd zijn, in eenzaamheid leven, open staan voor wat er komen gaat en het leven tussen de mensen, met de dingen die je te doen hebt. En wat je dan te doen hebt, dat ontdek je in die afzondering, als je open staat voor iets wat niet van jouzelf komt, maar van God, of hoe je dat ook wilt noemen.
January 17, 2026
As many other readers have commented, this is part autobiography and part teachings. I didn't find the autobiographical elements "salesy" or "self-congratulatory." They demonstrated the very personal connection that Talbot has to the Franciscan life. If he didn't talk about how he practices these lessons, what would the point of the book be?
Reading a book written in the 90s in 2026 really highlights how unchanging humanity is. It seems everything will always be falling apart. Some of the author's musings on the global social climate of that time, had me laughing and thinking, "wow, nothing has changed, and it may even be worse." To follow that up, the same could be said of the medieval social climate.
This was a great introduction into the broad lessons of St. Francis' life, and the book's structure mirrors its lessons of simplicity. I already felt a connection to quite a few of these tenants and was reminded of which I need to improve on. One quote of St. Francis' has stuck with me out of all of the quotes in this book, "Preach always. If necessary use words."
2026 - #5
Other books about St. Francis I have read:
St. Francis of Assisi by G. K. Chesteron my link text
Reading a book written in the 90s in 2026 really highlights how unchanging humanity is. It seems everything will always be falling apart. Some of the author's musings on the global social climate of that time, had me laughing and thinking, "wow, nothing has changed, and it may even be worse." To follow that up, the same could be said of the medieval social climate.
This was a great introduction into the broad lessons of St. Francis' life, and the book's structure mirrors its lessons of simplicity. I already felt a connection to quite a few of these tenants and was reminded of which I need to improve on. One quote of St. Francis' has stuck with me out of all of the quotes in this book, "Preach always. If necessary use words."
2026 - #5
Other books about St. Francis I have read:
St. Francis of Assisi by G. K. Chesteron my link text
September 17, 2022
A sweet lady in the area donated books to the university department where I serve as chair. This book literally fell out of the bag on my back seat and caught my attention.
I sometimes listen to divine promptings and I am glad I did this time. This book reiterated what I am coming to believe about so much of modern wisdom--the ideas and the research findings of Positive Psychology and the like are truly very old. Scientists along the way tossed humility and charity and self-control to the garbage heap as they did so much religion. More fools they.
And us, if we Christians don't realize that so much can be learned from the rock stars of religion. Remember--for every pastor who falls (and we all are sinners but some lead others astray) there are dozens who serve quietly. And then there are those like St. Francis who stand as examples for all time.
I am inspired to read more--and am so excited that the author's Little Portion still exists. God bless them!
I sometimes listen to divine promptings and I am glad I did this time. This book reiterated what I am coming to believe about so much of modern wisdom--the ideas and the research findings of Positive Psychology and the like are truly very old. Scientists along the way tossed humility and charity and self-control to the garbage heap as they did so much religion. More fools they.
And us, if we Christians don't realize that so much can be learned from the rock stars of religion. Remember--for every pastor who falls (and we all are sinners but some lead others astray) there are dozens who serve quietly. And then there are those like St. Francis who stand as examples for all time.
I am inspired to read more--and am so excited that the author's Little Portion still exists. God bless them!
September 2, 2018
This book is DANGEROUS...
Best book I've read on St. Francis so far, and I've read a few. Although I've been a JMT fan for many years, even if I didn't know him I'd still rate this book the same. It gives many insights about St. Francis' life and spiritual walk with God in an easy-to-read condensed form, unlike the overly complicated and archaic writings of some of the others I've read. However, this isn't so much a biography as it is the Franciscan way of life, which is genuinely Christian. John Michael gives much practical advice on how to implement these practices in today's modern world which is still significant 20 years after it was written.
I found this book to be extremely convicting, inspiring me to improve as a professing Christian.
It's dangerous because if taken seriously (which it should) it could change your life!
Best book I've read on St. Francis so far, and I've read a few. Although I've been a JMT fan for many years, even if I didn't know him I'd still rate this book the same. It gives many insights about St. Francis' life and spiritual walk with God in an easy-to-read condensed form, unlike the overly complicated and archaic writings of some of the others I've read. However, this isn't so much a biography as it is the Franciscan way of life, which is genuinely Christian. John Michael gives much practical advice on how to implement these practices in today's modern world which is still significant 20 years after it was written.
I found this book to be extremely convicting, inspiring me to improve as a professing Christian.
It's dangerous because if taken seriously (which it should) it could change your life!
October 16, 2019
What a great read. I picked this one up at a Planned Parenthood Book Sale last winter, set it aside and pretty much forgot about it. Came across it recently and began reading it in the middle (I know, bad idea). However, it intrigued me so, I started from the beginning.
Incredible story about the real life St Francis. I found myself humbled and inspired. From a wealthy family in Italy, he renounced his status after some wild youthful years and dedicated his life to the teachings of Jesus and the service of God. The author, John Michael Talbot, is an impressive story and a person of faith himself. Glad I read it and am trying to incorporate some of the practices mentioned after most chapters into my daily life. Now I find myself much calmer, a better listener and less judgmental because of this book.
Recommend for the spiritually inclined.
Incredible story about the real life St Francis. I found myself humbled and inspired. From a wealthy family in Italy, he renounced his status after some wild youthful years and dedicated his life to the teachings of Jesus and the service of God. The author, John Michael Talbot, is an impressive story and a person of faith himself. Glad I read it and am trying to incorporate some of the practices mentioned after most chapters into my daily life. Now I find myself much calmer, a better listener and less judgmental because of this book.
Recommend for the spiritually inclined.
December 15, 2022
Picked up "The Lessons of Saint Francis: How to Bring Simplicity and Spirituality into Your Daily Life" not out of an interest in St. Francis but because it was written by one of my favorite performers and speakers over the last 40+ years. John Michael Talbot writing is as clear as his playing, simple truths quietly communicated.
Intertwining his life as the founder of a U.S. monastic community and a multiplatinum recording artist, Dove and Grammy award winner, he clearly articulates the passion Francis had in following Jesus. He illustrates with examples from the 'pop star' version of his life and turns it into suggestions on how anyone can pursue simplicity and spirituality that is required o a follower of Christ. A beautiful book! [5/5]
Intertwining his life as the founder of a U.S. monastic community and a multiplatinum recording artist, Dove and Grammy award winner, he clearly articulates the passion Francis had in following Jesus. He illustrates with examples from the 'pop star' version of his life and turns it into suggestions on how anyone can pursue simplicity and spirituality that is required o a follower of Christ. A beautiful book! [5/5]
July 29, 2017
Fantastic. Only goes a couple inches deep, but was just what I needed, some common sense gleaning of the principles Francis lived his life by. Easy to read and with lots of practical advice that can easily be put into practice, I really enjoyed this book. As I said, a bit shallow and so not quite five stars, but still well worth a read. True, reinforced a lot of what I had been feeling lately anyway, but I would hope that I could have appreciated this in most of the stages of my life.
January 6, 2018
This is an important book that I stumbled upon at an important season of my life. The topical organization of the book chapters on simplicity, joy, solitude, humility, creativity, chastity, community, compassion, creation, service, peace, and prayer has me thinking in different ways. I am looking forward to where this leads. (less)
February 2, 2018
I did not know much about St Francis, so this book was a gentle introduction for me. I have listened to the author's music for years and therefore appreciated the personal notes on how his life has been changed by following the teachings of St Francis. The suggestions on how to incorporate these same lessons into one's life were practical, even though one does not live in a Franciscan community.
July 14, 2018
I didn’t know much about St. Francis before starting this book, but I finished the book with a profound sense of respect for him. The simple way he lived out the Gospel of Jesus is often considered beautiful in ideals but radical in application. Definitely read this one if you want to be challenged in the way you apply your faith to your life.
January 13, 2019
Talbot uses St. Francis to encourage the reader to simplify and to become more spiritual in everyday matters. Subjects include humility, compassion, service, peace, and prayer. Talbot writes in a way that is accessible for everyone, and as a result, the book is not a deep one; it is, however, certainly inspiring.
March 11, 2021
Many of my favorite contemporary theologians and authors cite St. Francis of Assisi as an influential figure, so I wanted to read more about him. The book is divided into 12 simple lessons we can learn from his life, with practical examples to try at the end of each chapter. The format was perfect for my use as a supplement to my morning devotional.
March 5, 2025
This was a good overview of the teachings of Saint Francis. The author gave some ideas and insight as to how a person can implement some of Francis’ teachings into their daily life.
However, there wasn’t really much of a plot, if that’s what you’re expecting. It’s really just a list with a bit of history and application to follow. Nothing groundbreaking but a nice easy read.
However, there wasn’t really much of a plot, if that’s what you’re expecting. It’s really just a list with a bit of history and application to follow. Nothing groundbreaking but a nice easy read.
December 11, 2025
Francis of Aisissi remains a fascinating figure in both church and secular history. Here we see a lot of his ideas presented from a Christian perspective, but as a Buddhist I had little trouble grasping the ideas presented here. And these ideas are very helpful and relevant to life today. The author does an excellent job presenting the subject material as well.
August 15, 2018
I can best describe this book as Fransiscanism for Dummies. Talbott's terse writing style condenses the philosophies of one of the greatest saints into a much more digestible read than the tomes he recommends at the end!
October 20, 2018
This is a reflection on the life of Saint Francis written by someone who is a member of Secular Franciscan Order and has a special connection to the saint. He takes various aspects of Saint Francis's life and shows how people today can apply them today.
July 1, 2019
After a trip to Assisi I've been fascinated by St. Francis. This book was a favorite. I read it twice. Presents a refreshing, common sense, gracious kind of spirituality I can relate to at this rather jaded and cynical point in my life.
August 24, 2025
The was an amazing account of Saint Francis and his committed life to walk in the footsteps of Christ. I am humbled by his life path and have learned valuable lessons that I might implement to have a closer walk with God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews