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Eye on the World: Prayer to protect children and youth from radicalization
In “Why young Europeans are becoming jihadis,” The Christian Science Monitor explains that many young people, especially in Europe and the United States, are being recruited to join jihadi units in Syria and Iraq. Boredom, desire for adventure, and youthful ideals, along with persuasive messages from recruiters, can lead these young people into radicalization and war. Parents often learn too late what has happened, and if the child has already left for a conflict zone, they face great obstacles in contacting him or her.
This is where our prayers to God, the Father and Mother of all people, can provide comfort and strength. Christ, God’s message of love to each individual, can guide both parents and children. Here are some additional thoughts from individuals who faced challenges with their children.
In “Finding lost children: the essential point” a father tells what happened when one of his sons wandered off during a tour in India. He says his feeling of panic was not relieved by the tour operator’s comment that “occasionally American and European children were kidnapped and sold.” The author’s son did come back safely, and the author offers thoughts about how to pray when a child seems to be going in the wrong direction. He says: “Every one is God's child, and not one of His children is ever outside of His constant, uninterrupted, tender loving care. As the words of a hymn tell us, ‘None can beyond Thy omnipresence stray’ (Violet Hay, Christian Science Hymnal, No. 66). The healing effect of steadfastly affirming this truth includes the child's own awakening to an awareness of God's law and presence.”
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