Week 1: Jan. 11-17
GILGAL
Remember | Renew | Prepare
Remember | Renew | Prepare
Gilgal was Israel’s first stopping place in the Promised Land. It was a place of:
Remembering what God had done
Renewing devotion and consecration to Him
Preparing for the future
This week invites every individual, household, and family—married or single, parents or not—to slow down and let God do the same in us.
Each day includes:
Scripture
A short devotional
A guided practice for your prayer time
Prayers
Reflection prompts
Use this guide in the morning, evening, or whenever your prayer time happens. There is no “right” way—just open hearts.
Joshua 4:20–24 (NKJV)
20 And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal. 21 Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; 23 for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
As Israel entered the land, God told them to build a memorial in Gilgal. It was a reminder of His faithfulness and a testimony for future generations.
Today we begin our 21 days the same way—by remembering. Before asking God for anything, we pause to thank Him for everything. Gratitude is how our hearts open to His presence.
Action:
Name out loud one thing God has done in your life that you never want to forget.
Reflection Question:
Where have I seen God’s hand carry me?
Child-Friendly Version:
Ask children: “What is one good thing God has done for you?” (They can say it, draw it, or write it.)
Psalm 103:2 — “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
Father, thank You for the ways You have led me. Help me remember Your goodness today. Open my heart to Your presence and fill me with gratitude. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
Joshua 24:15 — “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in our home. Teach us to see Your goodness in every season. Unite our hearts in gratitude as we begin these 21 days together. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
As I pray today, what am I most thankful for?
What part of God’s faithfulness do I want to carry forward into this journey?
Joshua 5:8–9 (NKJV)
8 So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed.
9 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.
Gilgal was where God removed Israel’s shame—the “reproach of Egypt.” It was also the place where God asked His people to cut away the old, a physical act that symbolized a spiritual truth: God removes anything in us that does not belong to our new identity.
The New Testament calls this “circumcision of the heart”—the work of the Holy Spirit cutting away old patterns, old desires, and old identities so we can walk in freedom.
Before Israel moved forward, God healed what was behind them.
Today, we allow the Holy Spirit to show us what He is removing so we can walk freely into what’s ahead.
Action:
Sit quietly for a moment and ask:
“Lord, is there anything You are lifting off of me?”
Reflection Question:
What past burden or false identity might God be removing?
Child-Friendly Version:
Ask children: “Is there anything that makes your heart feel heavy? Let’s give it to God.”
Psalm 34:4 — “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
Father, thank You for freeing me from what weighs me down. Heal what needs healing and roll away every burden that keeps me from You. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Lord, remove from our home anything that does not reflect You. Bring healing, forgiveness, and new identity. Let our household walk in Your freedom. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
What is God freeing me from during these 21 days?
How is He healing my heart so I can move forward?
Psalm 51:10–12
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Gilgal was a place of renewed devotion. Israel recommitted themselves to the covenant of God before taking another step.
Renewal isn’t dramatic—it’s a quiet turning of the heart away from the things of the world, a fresh desire for God. It's returning to our first love.
Today we ask God to renew our hearts and restore joy.
Action:
Take a moment and say:
“Lord, renew my heart today.”
Reflection Question:
Where is God inviting me to turn from the world and return to Him?
Child-Friendly Version:
Invite children: “Ask God to help your heart love Him more today.”
James 4:8 — “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Lord, I draw near to You today. Renew my heart and restore joy in my walk with You. Make my heart steady and alive in Your presence. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
Deuteronomy 6:5 — “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
God, renew our home with fresh love for You. Help each person here draw near to You. Restore joy, stability, and hunger for Your Word. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
What part of my heart is God renewing right now?
What do I want my relationship with God to look like this year?
Psalm 103:1-5
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Gilgal invites us to remember God’s goodness. His forgiveness, healing, mercy, protection, and provision are gifts we never want to overlook.
Today we intentionally recall His benefits. Gratitude realigns our hearts with His truth.
Action:
List or speak three ways God has been faithful.
Reflection Question:
Where do I see God’s goodness today?
Child-Friendly Version:
Ask children: “Can you name three good things God has done for you?”
Psalm 34:8 — “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good.”
Lord, help me see Your goodness clearly. Teach me not to forget Your benefits. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.
Psalm 92:1–2 — “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,”
Father, thank You for Your kindness in our home. Let gratitude be a daily rhythm in this household. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
What goodness of God do I want to remember?
How is gratitude shaping my heart?
Joshua 5:12
Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.
At Gilgal, God shifted the way He provided. This change marked a new season—one that required trust and obedience.
Sometimes God prepares us for what’s next by changing what we’ve grown comfortable with.
Today we let Him shape our hearts for obedience in the new season.
Action:
Ask: “Lord, what are You preparing me for?”
Reflection Question:
Where is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply?
Child-Friendly Version:
Invite children: “Ask God to help you choose His way today.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Lord, prepare my heart for the steps You are shaping. Help me trust You fully. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.
Psalm 25:4–5 — "Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day."
Lord, guide our home. Shape our obedience and help us follow Your lead together. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
What new season might God be beginning?
What step of trust is He inviting me into?
Isaiah 40:28–31
28 Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Waiting on God is not wasted time—it is strengthening time. Before Israel moved forward from Gilgal, God renewed their strength.
Today we let God renew our energy, hope, and endurance for what lies ahead.
Action:
Pray slowly: “Lord, renew my strength.”
Reflection Question:
Where do I need God’s strength today?
Child-Friendly Version:
Ask children: “Ask God to make your heart strong.”
Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Lord, renew my strength today. Lift weariness and fill me with hope. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.
Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”
God, strengthen our home. Give us unity, joy, and courage for the journey ahead. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
Where am I sensing renewed strength from God?
What might He be preparing me to do?
Joshua 6:1-2
1 Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor."
Before Israel marched, God invited them to see His promise. At Gilgal, He shaped their vision for the future.
Today is the first moment in the 21-day journey where we ask: “Lord, what are You preparing me for in 2026?”
Action:
Say: “Lord, open my eyes to what You are preparing.”
Reflection Question:
What direction or possibility is stirring in my heart?
Child-Friendly Version:
Ask children: “What good thing do you think God might do this year?”
Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you. I will guide you with My eye.”
Lord, help me see the future You are preparing. Give me clarity, faith, and peace as I look ahead. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Father, guide our home into Your plans. Fill us with unity, discernment, and expectation. [Pray from your heart.] In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.
What do I sense God preparing for me? For my family?
How is God shaping my heart for what lies ahead?