The Fast of Zacharias

Would you like to have more energy, more enthusiasm, less anxiety, fewer doubts, and be a less negative person? Would you like to spot negativity— whether in yourself or those around you—and, in the blink of an eye, steer clear of it? Then you need to know about and practise the Fast of Zacharias.

The Word of God teaches us a powerful truth:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21

Let’s explore what this fast is and how it can transform your life.

Who Was Zacharias

The inspiration for the Fast of Zacharias comes from the Gospel of Luke 1:11-20. There we find the story of Zacharias, a priest who served in the Temple, burning incense and praying to God. He and his wife Elizabeth longed for a child, but she was barren. One day, while Zacharias was carrying out his duties, the angel Gabriel appeared and delivered astonishing news:

“…Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” — Luke 1:13-16

The angel didn’t just announce that Zacharias would become a father; he revealed that his son, John the Baptist, would be an extraordinary man, filled with the Holy Spirit and used by God to prepare a people for the Lord. Faced with such a great promise, what should Zacharias have said? Perhaps, “Thank God! Praise the Lord!” After all, he was a priest, a man of faith. But instead, he responded with doubt:

“…‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.’” — Luke 1:18

Zacharias questioned God’s Word, putting up barriers where there should have been faith. The angel’s reply was stern:

“…‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.’” — Luke 1:19-20

What a harsh lesson! Zacharias was struck mute for nine months, until John was born. Only when he confirmed his son’s name, saying, “His name is John,” did his voice return (Luke 1:62-63). This silence was a consequence of unbelief, but also a chance to learn.

What Is the Fast of Zacharias?

The Fast of Zacharias isn’t about abstaining from food or secular information, like other fasts we might know. It’s a fast from complaining. It’s a commitment to let go of grumbling, whining, doubting, and negative words. To undertake the Fast of Zacharias is to decide: “I won’t speak words of negativity, grumbling, or complaint. I’ll watch my tongue!”

How often do we grumble without even noticing? We step outside and say, “It’s so unbearably cold!” There you have it, we’re already complaining! It seems like it’s getting colder. Or perhaps, faced with a dessert you can’t eat on doctor’s orders, you complain, “I love this, but the doctor says I can’t have it. How tough!” These little complaints seem harmless, but they affect our soul and body. The Bible says:

“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”—Proverbs 21:23

And also:

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” — Proverbs 13:3

When we speak negativity, we bring anguish to ourselves and contaminate those around us. Complaints generate anxiety, discouragement, unbelief, physical and spiritual weakness, and even push people away—no one enjoys being around someone who only complains. But when we speak words of faith, even our body responds differently. Say, “I’m well, thank God, everything will be fine!” and notice how your posture shifts, your handshake firms up, and your face brightens. The body follows the tongue!

“Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.” — James 3:3

Just as a horse—a creature so strong and large, far bigger than a man—can be controlled by a bit in its mouth, we too control our lives with our mouths.

How to Do the Fast of Zacharias?

To do the Fast of Zacharias is to watch your words, to be more mindful of your thoughts, to rid your life of the negativity, anxiety, and irritability that come from being a grumbler.

Eliminate complaints, replacing them with gratitude and faith. You don’t need to fast for nine months like Zacharias—though ideally, you’d live this way forever. But to start, challenge yourself to fast for 21 days, beginning at midnight this Monday.

21 days without complaints! If a grumble slips out, correct yourself by saying, “Be quiet, Zacharias!” Then rephrase it with something positive.

Even better, invite someone to join you in this fast—a friend, a family member, someone you live with. That way, you can support each other. If one slips up, the other can say, “Zacharias, Zacharias…” And remember: if you can’t say something positive, then stay mute!