This lesson teaches children that God sees us when we pray and gives us strength when we feel weak or scared. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When Daniel felt weak and afraid, God sent an angel to strengthen him. God hears our prayers and gives us courage when we need it.
Memory Verse
Daniel 10:19
He said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall, put their hands on their hearts, and then raise both arms high like strong branches. Say “Be strong!” together as they lift their arms, so they remember that God makes us strong.
The Story: Daniel 10 for Kids
Daniel was an older man who lived in a faraway land called Persia. One day God showed him a great vision about the future of his people. Daniel was so worried about what he saw that he stopped eating fancy food and did not wash or take care of himself. For three whole weeks he prayed and sadly waited for God to answer.
One day Daniel stood beside a big river. He looked up and saw a man dressed in shining linen clothes. The man’s face was bright like lightning, and his voice was loud like a crowd of people talking. Daniel’s friends with him could not see the man, but they were so scared that they ran away and hid. Daniel was left all alone.
Daniel had no strength left, so he fell down with his face to the ground. Then a hand touched him and helped him up onto his hands and knees. The man said, “Daniel, you are greatly loved. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” Daniel stood up, but he was still shaking with fear.
The man told Daniel, “Do not be afraid. God heard your words from the very first day you began to pray and ask him to help you understand.” He explained that an angel had been delayed for twenty-one days by a fight with a powerful spirit, but the angel Michael came to help him. Then the man touched Daniel again and said, “Peace be with you. Be strong, yes, be strong.” Daniel finally felt his strength come back.
Read It Together
Daniel 10:12
Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake.
(WEB)
Point out that God heard Daniel’s prayers from the very first day. Explain to the children that God hears them too, even when they pray quietly or feel that no one is listening.
Daniel 10:18
Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again, and he strengthened me.
(WEB)
Show the children how the angel came back and touched Daniel a second time. Ask them to notice that God often sends help more than once, and that he keeps coming to us when we need him.
Daniel 10:21
But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince.
(WEB)
Explain that God is always in control and knows everything that is going to happen. Help the children see that Michael was on God’s side and that God keeps his promises.
Talk About It
- What do you think Daniel felt when he saw the man by the river?
- Can you tell about a time when you felt weak or scared? What helped you feel better?
- How did God answer Daniel’s prayers, even though it took a long time?
- What are some ways we can ask God for strength when we feel afraid?
- Why do you think God wants us to be brave and strong?
Activity Ideas
Strong Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper and write the words “God makes me strong” across the palm. Let them decorate the hand with bright colors, then hang the drawings in a classroom window or on the fridge at home.
Be Strong Freeze Game
Play music and have the children dance around the room. When the music stops, they freeze and stand tall with their arms raised and say “Be strong!” Then start the music again. This game helps children move their bodies while remembering the memory verse and the message that God gives strength.
Prayer Strength Cards
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small box or bag. Write simple prayers for courage on the cards, such as “Help me be brave” or “Give me strength today.” Let each child take one card home and pray it at bedtime for a week. Tell them to bring their card back to share how God helped them.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God hears the prayers of his people even when they are weary, afraid, or waiting a long time for an answer. It also shows that God is in control of the world, even when unseen battles are happening. Adults can take comfort that God strengthens his people and sends help exactly when it is needed.
Be careful not to make the story seem scary or to suggest that children will see angels or visions. Focus on the comfort of God’s presence and his strength. Keep the emphasis on trust and prayer rather than on the details of the battle or future prophecies.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you hear us when we pray. When we feel weak or afraid, please give us your strength and courage. Help us remember that you are always with us and that you love us very much. Amen.
