Faithful Prayer - Genevieve

422–512

Although he lived 1,500 years ago, Attila the Hun’s reign of terror was so brutal and far reaching that his name is still familiar today. The empire he conquered stretched across eastern and western Europe. When he entered what is now France, the people knew what kind of destruction to expect. In Paris, the people planned to flee, but they were persuaded to stay.

What could persuade people to face Attila the Hun and his army? Did they have an even bigger, more powerful army? Did they have a clever strategy thought up by a military genius? No. They had a nun named Genevieve who persuaded the people of Paris that God would intervene. The men prepared to fight, but the women fasted and prayed. The Huns did not invade.

Some sources say the nun who became Saint Genevieve was born a peasant, but others suggest she had wealthy parents. Whatever her family’s financial status, all reports say that when she was seven, she attracted the attention of Bishop Germain, who spoke with her for some time and declared that she would be consecrated to God. So Genevieve prepared to become a nun, entering the convent at age fifteen.

Genevieve was known to pray almost continuously once she entered the convent. Maybe her habit of earnest prayer inspired her to trust God with such conviction. The more you pray, the more likely you are to trust that prayer can make a difference.

You might not be able to pray almost continuously as Genevieve did. Yet you probably can make time to add just a little more prayer to each and every day. Where can you find five or ten minutes each day to spend time with God? You may just find that when difficult times threaten, you’ll have a stronger, more trusting relationship with him.

He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Psalm 91:3-4