A PAPER-CUT BIBLE STORY · DANIEL 6
Daniel and the
Lions’ Den
Watch the story, then talk, draw, play, teach, and take the lesson home - all from this one classroom-ready page.
1 · WATCH
Begin with the story film
TEACH FROM ONE SCREEN
Everything continues below the film
Move through the lesson in order, or jump to the activity your class needs. The web activities and printable kit use the same words and sequence.
ABOUT THE STORY
Why was Daniel sent to the lions?
Daniel was a wise and trustworthy helper to King Darius. When jealous officials could not find anything wrong with his work, they created a law designed to make Daniel choose between obeying the king and praying to God.
Daniel kept praying just as he always had. He was placed in the lions’ den, but God sent an angel to keep him safe. By morning, Daniel was unharmed, and the king understood that Daniel’s God was living and powerful.
Courage can be quiet
Daniel did not shout or fight. He calmly continued doing what he believed was right.
Prayer was a habit
Daniel trusted God before the trouble began. His regular prayers helped him stay steady when life became frightening.
We can bring God our fear
Being brave does not mean never feeling afraid. It means choosing trust and the next right step even when we are worried.
TALK ABOUT IT TOGETHER
Questions for after the film
- What helped Daniel stay brave?
- Why do you think the king was worried about him?
- What is one worry you could talk to God about?
LIVE CHARACTER VISIT
Talk to Daniel
Ask Daniel about everything the Bible records from his life—from choosing faithfulness in Babylon to prayer, dreams, kings, the lions' den, and his later visions. Every answer stays short and child-friendly.
- Daniel 1–12
- 10 minutes maximum
- Ends after 15 quiet seconds
Daniel can discuss his whole recorded life and its Bible lessons. He cannot invent missing years or become a general-purpose assistant.
Start when you are ready to ask Daniel about his story.
2 · TALK
Questions for the whole class
Why were the officials jealous of Daniel?
3 · CREATE
Colour and draw in the web app
Choose from five scenes: Daniel arriving, praying, meeting the angel, being rescued, or resting safely beside a lion.
Use Brush to draw or Fill space to color an area. Zoom with + and −, pinch with two fingers, then use Move or two fingers to explore details. The picture frame stays fixed and black outlines always stay on top.
4 · PLAY
Put the story in order
Ask the class what happened first, then select each event in story order.
- Your chosen order will appear here.
MEMORY VERSE
“He trusted in his God.”
Daniel 6:23
Say the phrase once normally. Then whisper it, say it with a brave voice, and repeat it with one hand over your heart.
HE TRUSTED IN HIS GOD5 · TEACH
A complete 45-minute lesson
Welcome
Ask: What helps you feel steady when you are worried? Children may answer or pass.
Watch
Play the film with captions. Invite the class to notice what Daniel keeps doing.
Talk
Use the four discussion questions above. Reveal teacher hints only when helpful.
Play
Complete the story-order activity together and practise the memory verse.
Create
Use the digital canvas or print the activity book. Make a Prayer Window craft.
Respond
Choose one prayer prompt below and quietly bring one worry to God.
Close
Repeat the big idea and send home the five-day prayer challenge.
Keep preparation simple
Paper, crayons, child-safe scissors, glue, and optional blue or yellow paper for the Prayer Window craft.
Prayer Window
Fold two paper shutters over a drawn window. Inside, write or draw: “I can talk to God anytime.”
Quiet Lions
Children move gently like lions. When the teacher says “Pray,” everyone freezes, folds their hands, and repeats the memory verse.
6 · TAKE HOME
Five days of courageous prayer
Our five-day prayer check
PRINT OR PREP OFFLINE
Download the classroom kit
Every printable uses the same sequence as this page, making it easy to move between the projector, tablets, and paper.
Read the full accessible film transcript
Long ago, Daniel lived in the kingdom of Persia. He loved God and tried to do what was right. Daniel worked hard and served King Darius faithfully. The king saw that Daniel was wise and trustworthy. Soon, he planned to place Daniel over the kingdom.
But some royal officials became jealous of Daniel. They searched for something wrong in his work. Yet Daniel was honest, careful, and completely dependable. So the officials decided to target Daniel's faith. They hurried to King Darius with a clever plan. 'Make a law,' they said, 'for thirty days. Everyone must pray only to you, Your Majesty. Anyone who disobeys must enter the lions' den.'
The king did not understand their hidden purpose. He signed the law, and it could not change. Daniel soon heard about the king's new command. He knew continuing to pray could be dangerous. But Daniel would not stop talking with God. He went home and opened his upstairs window. Three times that day, Daniel knelt and prayed. He thanked God, just as he always had.
The jealous officials watched and saw him praying. They rushed back to accuse him before the king. King Darius realized he had been tricked. All day, he searched for a way to save Daniel. But the written law could not be taken back. Soldiers led Daniel toward the lions' den. The king said, 'May your God rescue you.' A stone was rolled across the den's entrance.
That night, the king returned to his palace. He refused food, music, and every comfort. He could not sleep because he feared for Daniel. Inside the den, darkness surrounded Daniel. Great lions moved quietly through the shadows. Daniel trusted God, even in that frightening place. Then God sent an angel into the den. The angel shut every lion's mouth. The fierce animals became peaceful beside Daniel. Daniel rested safely while God watched over him.
At sunrise, King Darius ran to the den. 'Daniel, did your God rescue you?' Daniel answered, 'My God sent His angel! He protected me because I trusted Him.' The king ordered Daniel lifted from the den. Not a single scratch could be found on him. The king and his servants celebrated Daniel's rescue. The jealous officials' cruel plan had completely failed.
King Darius sent a new message across his kingdom. 'Honor Daniel's God, for He is living and powerful.' Daniel continued serving faithfully for many years. His story reminds us to keep praying courageously. Even when we feel afraid, we can trust God.