As parents, life can get challenging. Not only challenging with the difficulties we can see but also the unknowns that lie ahead. Are their friends healthy relationships? Will this food make them sick? When do I allow them to have a phone and social media? The list of questions goes on.
Although Daniel couldn’t see the dangers that lurked around him, he could hear the growls and feel the lions’ breath on his skin. Similarly, we can feel the pressure of life surrounding us, but we cannot always see where they are at or how close they are to home. But Daniel continued to pray for God’s protection. Daniel trusted in God that no matter what happened next, God is powerful and with him IN the lion's den. How comforting is that? No matter what situation we find ourselves in, God is IN the den with us! And those unknowns that lie ahead, we can trust that God is more powerful than they, and He will stay with us IN whatever comes our way. Those unknowns are not unknown to God.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: God’s power can protect me. (Daniel and the Lions • Daniel 6:1-23)
Memory Verse: “Great is our Lord and mighty in power.” Psalm 147:5, NIV
Key Question: Who is powerful?
Bottom Line: God is powerful.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – Daniel and the Lions
Worship – Anything At All
Worship – Super Wonderful
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. This is our last week to practice the memory verse. Be sure to think of a fun reward you can give them next week when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions
Bible Story Activity
Coloring Page
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Our Bible story today was about how God’s power protected Daniel from some hungry lions. It all started when some grumpy guys did not want King Darius and Daniel to be friends. They tricked the king into making a law that wouldn’t let Daniel pray to God. And if he did pray to God, he would get thrown into a lions’ den. Yikes!
“Did Daniel stop praying to God? (Pause.) No way! Daniel loved God and prayed to Him like he always had. What happened when the grumpy guys threw Daniel in with the lions? (Pause.) Yes! God protected Daniel! King Darius was so happy that his friend Daniel was safe.
“Lions are really strong, but they’re not powerful like God. Who is powerful? Say with me, [Bottom Line] ‘God is powerful!’
“And the Bible verse we have learned will help us remember that [Bottom Line] God is powerful. It says . . . ‘Great is our Lord and mighty in power,’ Psalm 147:5. (Practice this verse together and then see if each of your kids can say it all by themselves.)
“Today, we’ll make a list of places we go. God is so powerful that He was with Daniel, even in the lions’ den. That means that no matter where we go, God is so powerful that He can be with us, too! (Have each family member list something.)
“Thank you for making this list of places with me. Let’s use it when we pray. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give your kid(s) an opportunity to pray if they want to.)
PRAYER: “Dear God, Thank You for helping us learn how powerful You are. Wow! You are SO powerful! Your power can give us what we need. Your power can help us make the right choice. And only You have the power to be with us everywhere we go, just like you were with Daniel. Thank You for being with us when we go to (read the list your family made). We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5
Angela Moody is the Early Years Ministry Lead at Abundant Life.
