December 12 - Daniel
Gather
Joke: Why are lions spiritual? … because they prey frequently, and prey as a family!
Do you know any other jokes about lions?
How would you feel if you had to face a whole pride of lions with nothing to protect you?
Read Daniel and the Lions in the Lion Storyteller Bible
Engage
Things had gone badly wrong for God’s people. They had chosen to ignore God’s rules of life and even worshipped other gods. As a result God had allowed them to be defeated in battle and many people were taken off into another country where they lived as refugees. However there were some who still chose to worship God, despite living in a foreign land.
Daniel and his companions chose to follow God’s rules and he blessed them for their obedience. Their talents were recognised by the king and they became an important part of the government.
Kings came and went, but Daniel was given even more government responsibility. Others were jealous and persuaded King Darius to make a law that for a month people could only ask the king for anything that they wanted.
Undaunted Daniel continued to pray each day, and even stood at the window so there was no hiding. The king had no choice but to uphold the law and Daniel spent the night in a cage of lions, hungry ones at that. God looked after him and he was kept safe. King Darius was so impressed that he warned everyone in his empire to respect God.
Respond
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory throughout all ages.
Amen
www.anewliturgy.com/no-5
Send
Use paper plates or cake cases to make lions’ heads. Cover them with orange and yellow strips of wool or paper to make the mane.