Daniel and the Lions

Daniel loves to pray to God, and God keeps him safe in a den of lions. It is a gentle story about staying close to God, even when it is hard.

Daniel loved God very much. Every single day he went to his open window that faced far-away Jerusalem, knelt down quietly, and prayed to God three times. He thanked God in the morning, in the middle of the day, and again at night. Talking to God made his heart feel warm and happy.

Some men did not like Daniel. So they tricked the king into signing a brand-new rule: for thirty whole days, no one was allowed to pray to God at all. But Daniel still knelt by his window, just like always. He loved God too much to stop, so softly and faithfully he kept on praying.

“We caught Daniel praying!” the men told King Darius with a shout. The king felt very sad, because Daniel was his dear friend. He looked everywhere for a way to help him, but the rule could not be changed. With a heavy heart, the king said Daniel must go into the den of lions.

That night the king could not sleep at all. He turned this way and that in his bed, thinking only of his friend. He would not eat, and he would not play any music. Over and over he hoped and hoped that Daniel’s God would keep him safe.

But God had not forgotten Daniel. He sent a gentle angel down to close the lions’ mouths tight. The big lions lay down softly, like sleepy kittens curling up for a nap. All through the dark night Daniel was not hurt at all, and he rested in peace.

When morning came, the king jumped up and ran straight to the den. “Daniel, are you there? Are you safe?” he called. “Yes! My God kept me safe!” Daniel answered, stepping out without a single scratch. The king cheered, and everyone praised the God who loves us and watches over us.

Thank You, God, for staying close to Daniel, and for hearing me every time I pray to You.