Daniel 6:1 to 6:23 God hears our faithful prayers and protects us with his mighty power when we stand up for him. Learn that Daniel prayed three times every day with an open window toward Jerusalem. See how Daniel continued praying even when a law forbade it. Rejoice that God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths because Daniel trusted in God. In the kingdom of Babylon, jealous officials tricked King Darius into signing a decree that for thirty days no one could pray to any god except the king. Praying Three Times a Day Daniel was a wise leader in Babylon who loved the Lord with all his heart. Jealous officials wanted to find something wrong with Daniel, but they could find no fault because Daniel was faithful and honest. They tricked King Darius into making a law: anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king for thirty days would be thrown into a den of hungry lions! Windows Open to Heaven When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, what did he do? He did not stop praying, and he did not hide! Daniel went home to his upstairs room, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, knelt down three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, just as he had done previously. Daniel loved God more than he feared hungry lions. God Shuts the Lions' Mouths The jealous men caught Daniel praying and reported it to King Darius. The king had to follow the law and threw Daniel into the pit of lions. King Darius could not sleep all night. At dawn, the king ran to the pit and called: 'Daniel, has your God been able to deliver you?' Daniel called back safely: 'O king, my God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me!' Not a single scratch was found on Daniel, because he trusted in his God. My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me. Daniel 6:22 How many times a day did Daniel kneel and pray to God? Once a week Three times every day Only when he was scared Never Three times every day Daniel knelt by his open window three times every day to pray and give thanks to God. Where was Daniel thrown for praying to the true God? Into the deep sea Into a den of hungry lions Into a dark forest Out of the city Into a den of hungry lions Daniel was thrown into the pit of lions because he refused to stop praying to God. How was Daniel kept safe from the lions? He fought them with a sword God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths The lions were asleep already He climbed out immediately God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths God miraculously sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, keeping Daniel completely safe. Set aside three quiet moments every day this week (morning, afternoon, bedtime) to pray and thank God. Lord God, thank you for hearing our prayers every time we talk to you. Give us courage like Daniel to pray faithfully and love you above everything else. Amen. Why did Daniel keep praying even when he knew it was against the king's law? When is your favorite time during the day to talk to God in prayer? Teach children the importance of daily prayer and trusting in God's mighty protection even when it is difficult. Ask children to roar like lions, then suddenly put their hands over their mouths in complete silence to demonstrate the angel shutting the lions' mouths. Were the lions friendly? Explain that the lions were wild and hungry, but God's supernatural angel kept their mouths closed. 5 minutes hook, 12 minutes story, 8 minutes memory verse, 10 minutes application and prayer.