What is IFB?

What do we do?

Our aim as an organisation is to inspire and inform prayer for the nation, and for the church within it. Membership is free, and all members receive a bi-monthly news bulletin covering situations for prayer or thanksgiving, as well as editorials and information on upcoming events. We use social media and our connected news page to give more regular updates on items of prayer news as they're reported, focusing on our particular areas of concern.

We also produce leaflets and videos from time to time on key topics, which can be shared with others. And as our ministry is focused on prayer, we hold prayer and Bible days and conferences in various places, where (as well as providing Bible teaching) we seek to pray and intercede corporately, looking to the Lord to lead us and sometimes seeing Him answer our prayers in powerful ways.

Who leads IFB?

Intercessors For Britain has always been led by a Director, who reports to the board of trustees. Intercessors For Britain was founded by Denis Clark in 1969, and it was led by him for its first decade. Alex Buchanan took over the leadership for a time, followed by Ray Borlase, who led IFB for 20 years, and published two books (Trumpet Call to Prayer, and Ready For His Return). Stewart Dool then led IFB briefly, before Ray's son Dave Borlase took up the mantle.

In April 2021, Ashley Thompson and Josh MacDonald were appointed to be Co-Directors of IFB, taking over from Dave Borlase. Josh and Ashley share a particular desire to see more families and younger people getting involved in prayer for the nation, and to see the church turning to God in repentance in order for God to move again in the land.

Ashley lives on the Wirral near Liverpool, where he also leads a church (Moreton Christian Assembly). He is married to Josie, and they have 6 children.

Josh is married with 3 children, and lives in York. He is also involved in Christian charity work, and has previously served in church ministry.

How did IFB begin?

Intercessors for Britain was founded in 1969 by Denis Clark, who at one time was the European leader of Youth for Christ. Denis had an increasing concern about the state of the nation. On New Year's day in 1969 he set aside time to wait upon the Lord with a few others. Out of that time, it was felt that they should seek volunteers to cover every hour each week to pray for the nation. That would require 168 people. In the end, 200 people volunteered to pray for an hour each week, although not every hour was covered in the night. Thus Intercessors for Britain was born. The number of people connected with IFB has grown considerably since then, and while we no longer seek to cover every hour, we do ask that people should pray each week for the nation.

What is an intercessor?

Intercession is simply praying on behalf of others. Every Christian ought to be an intercessor because we all ought to pray for other people. While some people may not be so concerned about national issues, 1 Timothy 2:1-5 makes clear that every Christian is called to pray for those in authority, which includes the Government, the police, the judiciary and even local councils. If you are not already praying for our nation, as well as for the church within the UK, we'd love you to join us as we cry to God in prayer, adding to the ranks of praying believers at such a time as this.

A critical time

We are in a critical time for our nation. With increasing wickedness and opposition to Christianity, the most powerful thing you can do is PRAY!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm...With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit (Eph. 6v12,13&18)

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. (2 Cor. 10v4)

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. (1 Peter 4v7)

Jesus said "Could you not keep watch with Me for one hour?" (Matt 26v40)

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanks givings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. (1 Tim. 2v1&2, NASB)