In this lesson, children learn that Daniel kept praying to God even when it was dangerous, and God protected him in the lions’ den. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises and takes care of the people who trust Him, even when they are scared. Daniel prayed to God every day, and God kept him safe.
Memory Verse
Daniel 6:23
Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
(WEB)
Teach the children to put both hands over their hearts when they say the verse, then lift their hands up high on the word “trusted.” Practice it together three times so the motion sticks with the words.
The Story: Daniel 6 for Kids
King Darius had many helpers who ruled over his kingdom. He chose a man named Daniel to be one of the three leaders over them all. Daniel was very good at his job, and the king trusted him more than anyone else.
The other leaders were jealous of Daniel. They looked for something bad he had done, but they could not find anything wrong. So they made a plan. They went to the king and said, “Make a new rule that no one may pray to anyone but you for thirty days.” The king liked the idea and signed the rule.
Daniel heard about the new rule, but he did not stop praying. He went into his room, opened the window toward Jerusalem, and knelt down to pray to God three times a day, just as he always had. The men who wanted to trap him saw Daniel praying and ran to tell the king.
The king felt very sad because he liked Daniel. But a rule was a rule, so the men threw Daniel into a den of hungry lions. The king said to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve, will save you.” Then a big stone was placed over the den, and the king went home without eating or sleeping.
Early the next morning, the king ran to the lions’ den and called out, “Daniel, did your God save you?” Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel, and the lions did not hurt me.” The king was overjoyed, and Daniel was pulled out safe and sound.
The king then told all the people in his kingdom to honor the God of Daniel, because He is the living God who rescues His people. Daniel kept doing well in the king’s service for a long time.
Read It Together
Daniel 6:10
When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his room toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before.
(WEB)
Point out that Daniel prayed the same way he always had, even when a new rule was made to stop him. Ask the children what it looks like to keep doing the right thing when others try to stop us.
Daniel 6:16
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.”
(WEB)
Show the children how the king spoke hopefully to Daniel, even though he was sad. Remind them that Daniel’s friends and family can encourage us, and that God is always able to help us.
Daniel 6:22
My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me; because as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
(WEB)
Point to the part where Daniel explains that God sent His angel. Explain that Daniel was not hurt because he trusted God, and that God can take care of us in hard times too.
Talk About It
- What do you think Daniel felt when he heard about the new rule?
- Why did Daniel keep praying even though it was dangerous?
- How do you think the king felt when he heard Daniel’s voice from the den?
- What is something that scares you, and how can you bring it to God?
- How can you show that you trust God when you are feeling afraid?
Activity Ideas
Lions’ Den Craft
Give each child a paper plate, a brown crayon, and some yellow and orange paper scraps. Have them draw a cave shape on the plate, then glue on paper lion faces and a small paper figure of Daniel. Talk together about how God was with Daniel inside the den.
Pray Like Daniel Game
Have the children stand up and pretend to be Daniel. Call out “Pray!” and they kneel down with their hands folded. Call out “Lions!” and they roar softly. Keep the pace fun and quick, then end by praying together in a whisper.
Take-Home Prayer Card
Cut index cards in half and give one to each child. Have them write or draw one thing they are worried about, then tape the card by their bed. Encourage them to pray over the card each night, the way Daniel prayed at his window every day.
Teacher Notes
Daniel’s story shows that faithfulness to God can sometimes bring trouble, but God remains faithful to His people. Adults can see that Daniel’s steady habit of prayer was not a sudden act of courage but a long-standing practice of trust. King Darius also shows how earthly authority can be pressured, and yet God’s power remains above every decree.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always rescue us from every danger in the same way. Daniel’s story is a real example of God’s protection, but other faithful people in Scripture faced hardship and even death. Focus on God’s faithfulness and presence rather than promising a guaranteed outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always with us, even when we feel scared. Help us to pray to You every day, just like Daniel did. Thank You for keeping us safe and for loving us so much. Amen.
