Did You Know? Listen to This “Pop-Rock” Lord’s Prayer Recorded by a Catholic Nun!

In the early 1970s, Sister Janet Mead, an Australian nun with a passion for music did something extraordinary. She infused contemporary rock rhythms into the sacred verses of the Lord’s Prayer, creating a pop-rock sensation that resonated with audiences worldwide!

Her approach to music was revolutionary, especially within the confines of music at the time. She believed in worshiping God “with the language and music that is part of their ordinary life.” This approach struck a chord, not just with the young people she aimed to reach, but with a global audience, demonstrating the universal power of the faith.

At the heart of this was “The Lord’s Prayer,” a track that transformed Sister Janet from a dedicated nun and music teacher into an international music sensation. With its catchy pop-rock arrangement, the song didn’t just climb the charts; it soared, reaching No. 3 in Australia and an impressive No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, actually becoming one of the fastest-selling singles in history.

But Sister Janet was not one to bask in the limelight. Despite her global fame, she remained committed to her roots, using her music to convey a message of unity and spirituality. She believed that “life is a unity and therefore not divided into compartments,” a philosophy that resonated in her music and her life.

Despite the overwhelming success of “The Lord’s Prayer,” Sister Janet chose a path of humility and service over fame. She continued her charitable work, notably caring for the homeless, and earned the recognition as South Australian of the Year in 2004 for her unwavering dedication.

Passing away at the age of 84 after a valiant battle with cancer, she left behind a world that had been touched and transformed by her innovative spirit and devout soul. Sister Janet’s life was a harmonious blend of music, faith, and compassion, leaving an indelible chorus of inspiration for generations to come.

Listen below to “The Lord’s Prayer” by Sister Janet Mead!

Photo credit: PeterTea via Flickr | Editorial credit: Adam Jan Figel / Shutterstock.com