call:
The Lord be with you.
response:
And also with you.
call:
Today’s symbol is the lion. Daniel honored God, even though it could cost him his life. He was put into a pit with lions for praying to God, and God delivered him. Through Daniel, God showed his power to the king.
response:
Thanks be to God!
Scripture reading : Daniel 6:19-23 (or Daniel 6:1-23*)
Like Esther, Daniel lived in a country far from home, among people who did not know God. He was wise and faithful, and he served the king of that country well. But when the king ordered that everyone in the kingdom should pray only to him, Daniel could not obey. He continued to go home every day and pray to God. He knew that if he was caught, he would be thrown into a pit with lions, but he still kept praying to God.
Sure enough, Daniel was caught and thrown into the pit. The king liked Daniel, but the law could not be changed. As Daniel was being shoved into the pit, the king said, “May your God save you!” Did the king really believe Daniel could survive? But the next morning, the king rushed back to the pit, had it opened, and there was Daniel! God had sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and Daniel was safe. The king was so amazed by God’s power that he made a new law and sent it to every corner of his kingdom. He commanded every person in his kingdom to honor Daniel’s God!
pray:
Living God, you deliver and rescue your people. Help us to tell others about the ways you have delivered and rescued us, so that they will honor and trust you too. Amen.