²³ As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray^(A) for you. And I will teach^(B) you the way that is good and right. ²⁴ But be sure to fear^(C) the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart;^(D) consider^(E) what great^(F) things he has done for you.

¹⁰ In her deep anguish^(A) Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. ¹¹ And she made a vow,^(B) saying, “Lord Almighty^(C), if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember^(D) me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life,^(E) and no razor^(F) will ever be used on his head.”

¹² As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. ¹³ Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk ¹⁴ and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

¹⁵ “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled.^(G) I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring^(H) out my soul to the Lord. ¹⁶ Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”^(I)

¹⁷ Eli answered, “Go in peace,^(J) and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.^(K)”

¹⁸ She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.^(L)” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.^(M)

¹⁹ Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah.^(N) Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered^(O) her. ²⁰ So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son.^(P) She named^(Q) him Samuel,^[a](R) saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

²⁷ I prayed^(A) for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. ²⁸ So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life^(B) he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

Hannah’s Prayer

2 Then Hannah prayed and said:^(C)