As Canada navigates a year marked by mounting social, economic and cultural pressures, a national youth ministry leader is urging churches to commit to sustained prayer for students and educators across the country throughout 2026.
Tim Teakle, Alpha Youth Director at Alpha Canada, has called on Christians to intentionally cover young people in prayer as they face growing academic, mental health and identity-related challenges, emphasizing that spiritual support is critical for a generation forming its values and direction amid uncertainty.
“Our high schools are filled with students navigating the challenges and changes of life. Teachers who have committed themselves to helping the rising generation thrive. Support staff who make it all possible. Each of them needs prayer,” he said.
Teakle’s comments follow a nationwide prayer campaign launched by Alpha Canada challenging Christians to pray weekly for the students and staff when the 4,911 Canadian high schools started the school year last September, as the country “grapples with growing economic, social and cultural challenges.”
Titled “Made For This: Uniting in Prayer for All 4,911 High Schools Across Canada,” the campaign asked for churches to set aside intentional time to pray for the next generation of leaders and citizens currently studying in schools.
Churches were asked to select at least two high schools on an interactive prayer map and then “join in prayer across the nation” with an ongoing commitment to regular intercession, “believing in the transformative power of compassion, community, and courage to shape Canada's future,” according to Alpha Canada.
"We believe this generation of young people is remarkable—creative, resilient, and full of potential to lead with empathy and courage," said Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada, at the time. "They were made for these times and we, the church, are made for this moment: to champion them, support them, and cover them in prayer."
Joanna la Fleur, Director of Brand Influence for Alpha Canada, told Christian Daily International that the prayer campaign would run for the full school year, from September this year to June 2026.
Meanwhile, in his January prayer call asking for renewed prayers for students in 2026, Teakle again asked the question, “What if each of us committed to praying for our local high school?
“There are over 5,000 high schools across Canada,” he said. “Together, we can see every single one covered in prayer. If you haven’t signed up to pray for a High School yet, now is the time. Let’s pray together.”
