Summer School: Gratitude
Skylar Hallman
10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room
where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and
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prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and
found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his
royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any
god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”
The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians,
which cannot be repealed.”
13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you,
Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king
heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until
sundown to save him.
15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that
according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be
changed.”
16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king
said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” —Daniel 6:10-16
Pt. 1 – Consistent gratitude requires a
19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the
den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom
you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever!” 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths
of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done
any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”
23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted
from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. —Daniel 6:19-23
Pt. 2 – Being grateful during trials takes trust in God
20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the
living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever!” —Daniel 6:20-21
25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:
“May you prosper greatly!
26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of
Daniel.
“For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. —Daniel 6:25-28
Pt. 3 – Gratitude in our lives reveals God to others
Gratitude is a practice, it doesn’t happen on accident
How to lead a grateful life:
1. Make time for God
2. Be proactive not reactive
3. Tell others about what God has done