“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.”
— Daniel 6:22 (NIV)
Daniel loved God very much. Every day, three times a day, he knelt by his window and prayed. Talking to God was his favorite thing to do.
Daniel worked for the king, and he did such a good job that some other men became jealous. So they made a tricky new rule: “For thirty days, no one may pray to anyone except the king — or they’ll be thrown to the lions!”
But Daniel still loved God. He went home, opened his window, and prayed just like he always did. He was not going to stop talking to God.
The jealous men told the king, and the king was very sad — because he liked Daniel. But a rule was a rule. So Daniel was placed in a den full of lions, and a big stone was rolled in front.
All night the king couldn’t sleep. Very early in the morning he ran to the den and called out, “Daniel! Did your God keep you safe?”
“Yes!” said Daniel. “God sent an angel and shut the lions’ mouths. They didn’t hurt me at all!” The king was so happy he told everyone, “Daniel’s God is the living God!”
The Big Idea
Daniel kept praying and trusting God, even when it was hard. We can keep loving and trusting God too, no matter what.
Reflect & Discuss
- 1.What did Daniel do every single day?
- 2.Why do you think Daniel kept praying even when it was scary?
- 3.When is it hard for you to do the right thing?
A Prayer
Dear God, thank You for taking care of Daniel, and for taking care of me. Help me to talk to You every day and to do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Amen.
The same story, told for…