Daniel and the Lions' Den: Sunday School Lesson
Daniel 6
Big Idea
Praying to God is more important than pleasing people — He protects and honors those who trust Him.
Story Summary
Daniel was a wise and faithful ruler in Babylon, but jealous leaders wanted to destroy him. They tricked King Darius into making a law that for thirty days no one could pray to any god except the king. Daniel knew the decree, yet he opened his window toward Jerusalem and prayed to God three times a day, just as he had always done. His enemies caught him and had him thrown into a den of hungry lions. But God sent His angel to shut the lions' mouths. The next morning, Daniel came out without a single scratch, and King Darius wrote a new law that everyone should tremble before the living God of Daniel.
Memory Verse (KJV)
“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me.”
Daniel 6:22
Discussion Questions
- Why did the other rulers want to trap Daniel?
Teacher hint: They were jealous because the king planned to set Daniel over the whole kingdom (Daniel 6:3-4).
- What did Daniel do even though it was against the new law?
Teacher hint: He prayed to God with his window open, just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10).
- Do you think it was easy or hard for Daniel to keep praying? Why?
- Who kept Daniel safe in the lions' den?
Teacher hint: God's angel shut the lions' mouths (Daniel 6:22).
- Is there something at school or home that is hard to do because you love God?
Craft Idea: Sleepy Lion Mask
Supplies
- One paper plate per child
- Yellow, orange, and brown crayons or paper strips
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- A popsicle stick
Steps
- Cut eye holes in the paper plate.
- Color or glue paper strips around the edge to make a lion's mane.
- Draw a calm, sleepy lion face with closed eyes and a peaceful expression.
- Glue a popsicle stick to the bottom as a handle.
- Hold it up as a reminder that God shut the lions' mouths because Daniel trusted Him.
Printable Worksheet
The printable bundle includes the story page, a Daniel 6:22 memory-verse card, a quiz worksheet with answer key, and a Daniel and the Lions' Den coloring page.
Lesson flow (45 minutes)
- Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
- Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Daniel 6.
- Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
- Craft (15 min): Make the sleepy lion mask.
- Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.
More Sunday school lessons
Genesis 6–9
Noah's Ark
Ages 4–10 · ~45 min
1 Samuel 17
David and Goliath
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Jonah 1–4
Jonah and the Whale
Ages 4–10 · ~40 min
Luke 2 · Matthew 1–2
The Birth of Jesus
Ages 4–10 · ~45 min
Genesis 1
The Days of Creation
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Exodus 14
Moses Parts the Red Sea
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Matthew 28 · Luke 24
The Resurrection of Jesus
Ages 4–11 · ~45 min
Genesis 37 · 39–45
Joseph and His Coat of Many Colors
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Luke 10:25–37
The Good Samaritan
Ages 4–11 · ~40 min
Mark 10:13–16
Jesus Blesses the Little Children
Ages 3–9 · ~35 min
Luke 19:1–10
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
Ages 3–10 · ~35 min
Matthew 14:22–33
Jesus Walks on Water
Ages 4–11 · ~40 min
John 6:1–14 · Matthew 14:13–21
Jesus Feeds the 5,000
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Luke 15:11–32
The Prodigal Son
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Judges 13–16
Samson the Strong
Ages 6–12 · ~45 min
Esther 1–10
Queen Esther Saves Her People
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Joshua 6
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho
Ages 4–11 · ~45 min
Exodus 3
Moses and the Burning Bush
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Ruth 1–4
Ruth and Naomi
Ages 5–11 · ~40 min
Ephesians 6:10–18
The Whole Armor of God
Ages 5–12 · ~45 min
Mark 4:35–41
Jesus Calms the Storm
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Where to go next
Teaching Daniel and the Lions' Den? Here is what to grab next for your class.