Most of us have fallen into it at some point — a quiet grumble here, a complaint there. It can seem harmless, almost justified. Yet murmuring is far more than simply “having a moan.” When it becomes frequent, it turns into a destructive habit that affects not only ourselves, but the atmosphere around us, our mindset and even our faith.
Constant complaining doesn’t solve anything. In fact, when there’s no action behind it, it only spreads discouragement, weakens faith and casts negativity over situations that could actually be turned around. A murmurer rarely keeps it to themselves; they look for an audience. They want validation and someone to agree with their dissatisfaction. We see it every day — at work, at home, and all over social media.
That’s precisely why, from 12th to 18th February, the Fast of Zacharias will take place, with special meetings in all Universal Churches across the UK.
What is the Fast of Zacharias?
Unlike many other fasts, this one doesn’t involve abstaining from meals. Instead, it’s a fast from negative speech.
For seven days, participants make a conscious decision not to murmur, complain, criticise, speak negatively about themselves or about others. It requires awareness, self-control and it invites change.
Whenever the urge to complain arises, the challenge is to replace those words with faith, gratitude and encouragement. The foundation of this purpose lies in a biblical truth: words carry spiritual power and produce consequences in the life of the person who speaks them.
The inspiration for this purpose comes from the story of Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5–22). Although he was a righteous and faithful priest, he doubted the angel Gabriel’s message that he and his wife would have a son in their old age. As a result, he was unable to speak until the promise was fulfilled.
His silence was not a punishment, it was protection. He could not use doubtful words to interfere with what God had already determined. The lesson is deeply relevant today: sometimes the greatest barrier between a promise and its fulfilment is our own speech.
How often do we speak words of doubt over what we are praying for?
The Bible speaks very clearly about the use of our words. In James 3:10, it says: “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”
In Proverbs 13:3, it says: “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”
The mouth was created to bless, not to curse. So when the urge to complain arises, the guidance is simple: speak to God, not to people. Instead of spreading negativity, turn it into prayer.
This is why the Fast of Zacharias is so practical. It trains us to become aware of what we are saying and the reasons behind it.
It’s not only about the words we speak, it’s also about what we allow ourselves to hear.
The Bible encourages us to listen to what builds up, strengthens faith and inspires hope. Constant exposure to negativity affects our thinking and, ultimately our decisions.
During these seven days, participants are encouraged to step away from gossip, avoid conversations filled with complaints and choose to focus on words that bring life.
When we decide to listen to the truth, we grow. When we choose to speak words of faith, we find strength. And when we allow God’s Word to guide our thinking, our attitudes and actions begin to change.
Why not set these seven days aside and experience it for yourself? Join the Fast of Zacharias from 12th to 18th February at your local Universal Church.
Event: The Fast of Zacharias
Period: Thursday 12th February – Wednesday 18th February
Location: Your local Universal Church
