Daniel and the Lions' Den
Daniel kept praying to God even when a new law said not to. He was thrown into a den of lions, but God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths.
You will learn to...
- Retell how Daniel kept praying.
- Explain how God protected Daniel.
- Understand faithfulness.
Words to know
- Den
- A cave or pit where wild animals live.
- Faithful
- Staying loyal and true, again and again.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
Daniel served King Darius and did his work so well that the king planned to put him in charge of the whole kingdom. Some officials were jealous and looked for a way to trap him.
They convinced the king to make a law: for thirty days, anyone who prayed to any god or person except the king would be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel went home, opened his windows toward Jerusalem and prayed three times a day, just as he always had.
The officials reported Daniel, and the sad king had to follow his own law. Daniel was put in the lions' den. In the morning the king hurried to the den. Daniel called out, 'My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths!' The king was overjoyed and told everyone to honour Daniel's God.
Daniel was faithful: he kept praying to God even when it was risky. God protected Daniel. The Bible doesn't promise that nothing bad will ever happen to God's people, but it does promise that God is always with them.
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Family conversation starters
- How can we make prayer a regular part of our day?
- When is it hard to keep doing the right thing?
Main people: Daniel · Topics: Prayer, Faithfulness, God's protection · Review status: awaiting theological review