Daniel in the lion's den

Daniel in the Lion’s den

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Prayer

Help us to listen and learn from your word. Thank you for taking care of us and protecting us from the evil one. Amen

Songs

The love of Jesus

Jesus loves me

Jesus loves all the children

Story: Daniel in the Lion’s den

Reference: Daniel 6

Props: Sock puppet and lion puppet

Daniel was living as an exile in Babylon. The king thought that Daniel was so wise he wanted to make him ruler of the whole kingdom. The other leaders were jealous. “That’s not right!” they said. He’s an Israelite, and now he’s going to be more powerful than us.”

They talked to each other and made a plan to get rid of Daniel. “ We’ll ask the king to make a new law,” they said. “ Whoever prays to any god or man other than the king will be thrown into the den of lions (roar, roar).”

They were all delighted with the plan (hooray, hooray) and went to the king to share their idea. They said’ “Oh, king we wish to make a new law that any man that prays to any god or man other then you should be thrown in the den of lions.”

The king said, “I love the idea, everyone can worship me!” So that very day the king commanded his scribe to write down this new law and then it was proclaimed throughout the land.

Daniel heard about the new law. He went home and climbed the steps to his room. His room faced east towards Jerusalem. He prayed to the Lord three times a day just as he always had. When the leaders found out Daniel was still praying, they were delighted. “Look,” they said. “ He’s breaking the law. Let’s go tell the king.”

So they went to tell the king. “Oh, king,” they said, “your servant Daniel is not as wise as you thought. He is breaking your new law.” The king shook his head very sadly.

“Take him to the den of lions (roar, roar),” he said. Daniel was captured and thrown into the lion’s den. The king spoke to Daniel and said, “ Your God, whom you serve so faithfully will save you.” A big rock was then rolled over the entrance and sealed shut so he couldn’t escape.

At sunrise the next day, the king awoke. “Please, please let Daniel still be alive!” the king cried. He ran quickly to the lion’s den. “Daniel, Daniel!” he called. “Has your God saved you?” he asked. He put his ear near the rock.

“King!” Daniel called back. “ My God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions!” The king rejoiced as he pulled Daniel out of the lion’s den.

The king gave a command and captured the leaders who had accused Daniel and threw them into the lion’s den and the lions killed them.

Soon after this, the king made a new law that everyone must worship the God of Daniel – or else.

Bible story adapted by Antoinette Marlow.

Questions:

1. What did they king want to give Daniel?

2. Why were the other leaders jealous?

3. What plan did the leaders make?

4. Who did Daniel pray to?

5. Who saved Daniel?

6. How was Daniel saved?

7. What new rule did the king make in the end?

Memory verse

“The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.” Ps 121 vs. 5

The Lord is my provider.

Activity:

The children sit around a table. The table is covered with paper. Each child is given a page. Then each child is given a straw. In the middle of the table there are paints. Each paint jar has a teaspoon in it. The children must dish a spoon of paint onto the page. Then they must blow the paint to make designs. Repeat this process until the page is covered. Use various colours.

This activity develops fine motor control and creativity