Bible Lesson on Daniel in the Lions’ Den for Kids
LESSON OVERVIEW
Theme: Faith Under Pressure
Big Truth: God is with me and protects me.
Key Verse: “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.” — Daniel 6:22
Bible Story: Daniel 6
Pillar Focus: Power (God’s protection and deliverance)
1) Introduction:
The story of Daniel is one of unwavering faith, victory, and courage. Daniel prayed even when it was dangerous, and God stood with him. So much so that the lions were quiet. The enemy was quiet. This is the God we love and have a relationship with, that even the very enemy will keep his mouth shut. In this lesson, kids will learn that God is the one who shuts the enemy's mouth when we pray bold prayers and trust Him.
2) Game: Lion Freeze Tag (Prayer Unfreeze):
This is a fun and fast-paced running game! One or two “lions” tag kids to freeze. Teammates can unfreeze by placing a hand and saying, “In Jesus’ name, be brave!” Play this for a couple of rounds with upbeat music.
3) Praise & Worship:
Praise: “My God Is So Big,” and “Every Giant Will Fall” by Rend Collective
Worship: “The Blessing” (Kids) and “Marvelous” by Hannah Waters
Encounter Time: This could be a time where the Lord dismantles fear over their voices. Pay attention to this and let the Holy Spirit lead you as you lead the kids!
4) Bible Story — Act Out:
Supplies
Crown (King Darius), scroll (law), “royal” robe
Window frame prop (cardboard) and prayer mat
Lion masks/ear headbands & tails (for kid “Lions”)
Fabric or taped square on floor = “den”
Two foam columns or cones = den entrance; brown cloth = “stone” covering
Mic or megaphone for “king’s call” (optional)
Pre-Service Setup
Tape a “window” on the back wall; place a prayer mat in front.
Mark a den area on the floor. Place columns and a brown cloth “stone” at the entrance.
Give Lions simple cues: growl → circle → freeze → curl up.
Casting (7+)
Narrator (leader)
Daniel
King Darius
3 Jealous Officials
2 Guards
4–6 Lions (kids)
SCRIPT
Scene 1 — The Plot (Front of stage)
Narrator (to audience):
“God’s people lived in Babylon. Daniel was faithful to God and excellent at his work. King Darius trusted him. But some officials were jealous.”
Official #1 (whispering): “We can’t find any fault in Daniel… unless it’s about his God.”
Official #2: “Let’s trick the king!”
Official #3 (to King, bowing): “O King Darius, live forever! Make a law: for 30 days, no one may pray to any god or person except you. If anyone disobeys—throw them into the lions’ den!”
King Darius (pleased): “It is the law of the Medes and Persians. It cannot be changed. Let it be written!”
(Hands a scroll to Official #1. Officials smirk.)
Scene 2 — Daniel Prays (Stage left at the “window”)
Narrator:
“Daniel heard about the new law… and did what he always did.”
(Daniel kneels at the prayer mat, hands lifted.)
Daniel (soft but clear): “Father, I will worship You only.”
Officials (peeking): “Aha! He’s praying!”
Official #2: “To the king!”
Scene 3 — Accusation & Arrest (Center)
Official #3 (to King): “O King, Daniel ignores your decree! He prays to his God three times a day.”
King (grieved): “Daniel… I tried to save you, but the law cannot change. Guards!”
Guards (step forward): “By order of the king.”
King (to Daniel, sincere): “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you.”
(Guards escort Daniel toward the den.)
Scene 4 — Into the Den (Downstage at “den”)
Narrator:
“Daniel was thrown into the den. The entrance was sealed.”
(Guards guide Daniel into den area. Lions prowl around him, growling.)
Daniel (calm prayer): “My life is in Your hands.”
Narrator (gentle): “That night… God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths.”
(Lions suddenly freeze, then lie down like kittens beside Daniel.)
King (offstage): “No music! No food! I cannot sleep.” (paces, worried)
Scene 5 — Morning Joy (At the den)
(Lights a bit brighter.)
King (rushing in): “Daniel! Servant of the living God! Has your God been able to rescue you?”
Daniel (standing, joyful): “O King, live forever! My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me.”
King (overjoyed): “Guards! Lift him out at once!”
(Guards help Daniel step out of the den.)
Narrator:
“Daniel trusted God. God protected him.”
King (to audience, proclaiming):
“I decree that in all my kingdom, people must honor the God of Daniel—He is the living God, and He endures forever!”
Tag — Memory Verse (All repeat after Narrator)
Narrator: “Repeat after me: ‘My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.’ (Daniel 6:22)”
(Lead line by line. Point to Daniel and Lions for fun emphasis.)
Closing Line (Leader)
“Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s trusting God in the middle of it. Let’s trust Him like Daniel.”
5) Holy Spirit Activation
Eyes closed: “Holy Spirit, what fear do You want to quiet?” Leaders lay a hand on shoulders (with permission): “Peace of Jesus, guard this heart.”
6) Small Group Questions
Why did Daniel get in trouble?
How did God protect him?
When can you choose to pray even if it’s hard?
7) Prayer (Repeat-after-me)
“God, thank you that you are my protector. Thank you for giving me the courage, just like you gave Daniel, to shut the mouths of the lions in my life. Holy Spirit, would you help me this week to see where the enemy is roaring loud with his lies, so I can stop what he is doing. I love you, Jesus! Amen”