Chorus:
I plead with you
As a prisoner for the Lord
To live your life worthy
Of your call
In a perfect humility
And with meekness
And with patience
Bearing now with one another
In His Love
Preserving now the unity of the Son
With the Spirit as its Divine origin
And with peace as its binding force
Upon the earth forever more
There is One Lord and One Body in His Love
There is One Spirit and One Son
One Faith, One Lord and One Baptism
One God and Father of all
Who is over all and is within us all
(CHORUS)
As A Prisoner Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
### Understanding "As A Prisoner" by John Michael Talbot
**What is the meaning of the song "As A Prisoner" by John Michael Talbot?**
The song "As A Prisoner" by John Michael Talbot is a profound call for Christians to live in a manner worthy of the calling they have received from the Lord. It emphasizes virtues like humility, patience, and love, urging believers to maintain unity through the bond of peace. The song serves as a musical reflection on the Apostle Paul's plea from prison, asking Christians to embody the virtues of Christ in their daily lives.
**Can you break down the song's lyrics and explain their significance?**
Certainly. The song opens with a plea, identifying with Paul's perspective as a "prisoner for the Lord," which sets a tone of urgency and sincerity. The lyrics then unfold as a call to live a life characterized by virtue - humility, gentleness, patience, and love, emphasizing the importance of unity among believers, symbolized by the oneness of the body of Christ through one Spirit, Lord, faith, baptism, and God the Father.
- **Humility, gentleness, and patience:** These virtues are highlighted as essential qualities for believers, encouraging a life of service and forbearance in love.
- **Unity and peace:** The reference to preserving unity through peace underscores the principle that Christians, despite differences, are united in the essence of their faith and purpose.
- **One body, one Spirit, etc.:** This part of the song reiterates the theme of unity among Christians, emphasizing the singular foundation of their faith in one Lord, one baptism, and one God who is above all.
The progression of the song mirrors the journey of spiritual growth, moving from individual virtues to the collective identity and purpose of the Christian community.
**What Bible verses does "As A Prisoner" relate to?**
The song directly relates to Ephesians 4:1-6, where the Apostle Paul writes from prison, urging the Ephesians to live a life worthy of their calling. He emphasizes unity, humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peace, which are the foundation of the Christian community. The song captures the essence of these verses, translating them into a musical piece that serves both as a reminder and an inspiration for believers.
- **Ephesians 4:1-3:** “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
- **Ephesians 4:4-6:** “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
**FAQs about "As A Prisoner"**
- **Who wrote "As A Prisoner"?**
John Michael Talbot, a Christian musician known for his reflective and spiritual music, wrote "As A Prisoner."
- **What genre is "As A Prisoner"?**
It falls within Christian/Gospel music, often characterized by its meditative and worshipful style.
- **Why is the song important to Christians?**
"As A Prisoner" is important because it encapsulates key Christian principles and virtues, serving as a musical reminder of the lifestyle to which they are called.
- **How can believers apply the message of "As A Prisoner" in their daily lives?**
Believers can reflect on the virtues mentioned in the song—humility, patience, and gentleness—and strive to embody unity and peace in their interactions with others, keeping in mind their identity and purpose within the body of Christ.
