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.”

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 soared the charts, reaching No. 3 in Australia and an impressive No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, becoming one of the fastest-selling singles in history.

Despite her global fame, Sister Janet 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.”

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, 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
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