In this lesson, children learn that Daniel prayed to God, admitted his family’s wrongs, and trusted God because God keeps his promises. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a few verses, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, and he listens when we pray honestly and say sorry. We can talk to God about anything.
Memory Verse
Daniel 9:19
Lord, hear. Lord, forgive. Lord, listen and do. Don’t defer, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of your chest like you are holding something carefully. Then slowly open them as you say “Lord, hear. Lord, forgive.” Repeat the motion with the children until they know it by heart.
The Story: Daniel 9 for Kids
Daniel was an old man who lived in a faraway land called Babylon. Long before, God had told his people through the prophet Jeremiah that they would live away from their home in Jerusalem for seventy years. Daniel had been reading those words in the scrolls, and he understood that the time was almost finished.
Daniel did not sit back and wait. He got down on his knees, put on rough cloth, and sprinkled ashes on his head to show that he was sorry. He prayed to God and said, “Lord, you are great and wonderful. You keep your promises and show love to those who love you.”
Then Daniel told God the truth. He said, “We have sinned. We did not listen to your servants the prophets. We have done wrong, and we are sorry.” Daniel prayed for his whole nation, not just for himself, because he knew his people had turned away from God together.
While Daniel was still praying, a messenger named Gabriel came to him very quickly. Gabriel said, “Daniel, you are greatly loved. I have come to help you understand what God is doing.” God heard Daniel’s prayer right away, and he sent an answer.
Read It Together
Daniel 9:4-5
4 I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, “Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned, and have dealt perversely, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your precepts and from your ordinances.
(WEB)
Point out that Daniel starts by calling God great and faithful before he says anything about the people’s sins. Ask children what it means that God keeps his covenant and loving kindness.
Daniel 9:18
My God, turn your ear, and hear. Open your eyes, and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name; for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies’ sake.
(WEB)
Show children that Daniel asks God to open his eyes and look at his people. Explain that Daniel’s prayer came from God’s great mercy, not from anything good Daniel had done.
Daniel 9:21-23
21 Yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening offering. 22 He instructed me, and talked with me, and said, Daniel, “I have now come to give you wisdom and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went out, and I have come to tell you; for you are greatly beloved. Therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.
(WEB)
Point out that God sent Gabriel as soon as Daniel began praying. Tell children that God is always listening, and he is never too busy to hear them.
Talk About It
- What did Daniel do when he wanted to tell God he was sorry?
- Why do you think Daniel prayed for everyone, not just for himself?
- What does it tell us about God that he kept his promise to his people?
- How can you say sorry to God when you have done something wrong?
- What is one thing you could ask God to help you with this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Prayer Scroll
You will need a sheet of white paper, two pencils, and crayons or markers. Fold the edges of the paper in toward the middle so it looks like an old scroll. Have each child draw one thing they want to say sorry for and one thing they want to ask God for. Let them roll the paper up and keep it on their bed or desk as a reminder to pray.
Lord, Hear! Lord, Forgive!
No supplies are needed. Stand in a circle and say “Lord, hear!” and everyone puts both hands up to their ears. Then say “Lord, forgive!” and everyone bows their head. Keep the pace fun and quick, then slow it down and ask children to pray their own short prayers once the game ends.
Prayer Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some slips of paper at home. Each day this week, have your child write or draw one honest prayer on a slip, including one thing they are sorry for. Read the slips together at the end of the week and thank God for hearing every one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Daniel 9 shows that honest confession and faithful prayer belong together. Daniel does not pretend his people are innocent. He acknowledges their sin, appeals to God’s character, and asks for mercy rather than claiming to deserve it. The chapter also shows God’s faithfulness to his word, since Daniel’s prayer is rooted in the promise God had already spoken through Jeremiah.
Avoid telling children that Daniel’s prayer alone brought about the events that followed. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his willingness to hear, rather than suggesting that prayer works like a formula to get a certain outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you that you always keep your promises. Thank you for listening when we pray and for hearing us when we say sorry. Help us to tell you the truth and to trust your great mercy every day. Amen.
