This lesson teaches children that Daniel prayed honestly, saying sorry to God and trusting that God hears and forgives. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we are sorry for what we did wrong, we can talk to God honestly, and God listens with love and forgiveness. He never stops caring for his people.
Memory Verse
Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him.
(WEB)
Ask the children to cup both hands together in front of their chest while they say the verse slowly. Then have them open their hands wide, like a gift being given, on the words about mercy and forgiveness.
The Story: Daniel 9 for Kids
Daniel lived in the land of Babylon, far away from his home in Jerusalem. The king who ruled the land was Darius, and Daniel had been reading the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah had told God’s people that they would be away from their home for seventy years.
Daniel knew that the time was almost over. He was sad about his people and about the city of Jerusalem, which lay in ruins. So he did something very special. He turned his face toward God, put on rough cloth, sprinkled ashes on himself, and began to pray.
Daniel did not pretend that his people were perfect. He said, “Lord, we have sinned. We have done wrong and turned away from your commands.” He asked God to forgive them and to remember his promises. Daniel knew God was great and kind to those who love him.
While Daniel was still praying, an angel named Gabriel came to him quickly. Gabriel said, “Daniel, you are greatly loved. I have come to help you understand.” God had heard Daniel’s prayer from the very beginning. Daniel was never talking to an empty room.
Gabriel then told Daniel about a time ahead when God would make things right. God’s plan was good, and Daniel could trust him even when he did not understand everything.
Read It Together
Daniel 9:4
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…
(WEB)
Point out that Daniel started his prayer by remembering who God is. Ask the children what words Daniel used to describe God, and talk about how God keeps his promises to people who love him.
Daniel 9:5
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)
Help the children see that Daniel said “we” because he was praying for all of God’s people, including himself. Explain that sin means doing what God has told us not to do, and that saying sorry is the first step toward God’s forgiveness.
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 the children how Daniel asked God to open his eyes and listen. Explain that Daniel did not ask because his people deserved help, but because God is merciful, and point out that we can bring our requests to God just as Daniel did.
Talk About It
- What did Daniel do when he wanted to talk to God about something sad?
- Why do you think Daniel said “we have sinned” instead of only talking about other people?
- How does it feel to say sorry to someone you love, and how do you think God responds when we say sorry?
- What is one thing about God that Daniel remembered while he prayed?
- Where can you pray when you need to talk to God about something hard?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Prayer Picture
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a picture of someone talking to God, such as Daniel kneeling in prayer or themselves praying at bedtime. Let them write one short sentence on the bottom, like “God, I am sorry,” and share their drawings with the group.
Sorry and Forgiven Movement Game
Have the children stand in a wide circle. Call out a simple action such as “Stomp your feet” to represent doing something wrong, then call “Say sorry” and have them stop, bow their heads, and give a little wave to show God’s forgiveness. Repeat several times, changing the actions, so the children practice pausing to ask forgiveness.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Invite the family to write a prayer of sorrow or thanks on a slip and place it in the jar. Read the slips together at dinner or bedtime, reminding everyone that God hears every prayer, just as he heard Daniel’s.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows a leader who confesses the sins of his people while standing with them, not above them. Daniel’s prayer models humility, honesty about sin, and confidence in God’s mercy. It also shows that God answers prayer, sometimes through unexpected messengers and timing.
With children, avoid overstating the prophecy about seventy weeks, which is complex and debated among scholars and believers. Keep the focus on Daniel’s humble prayer and God’s love, rather than explaining every detail of the vision.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you always listen when we pray. Help us to be honest when we do wrong, and help us to say sorry with a humble heart. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness, which never run out. We trust you with everything, today and always. Amen.
