1 Samuel 12:19-23

19And all the people said to Samuel, Pray to Jehovah thy 1God for thy servants, that we die not; for we have added to all our sins the wickedness to ask for ourselves a king.

20And Samuel said to the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness; yet turn not aside from following Jehovah, and serve Jehovah with all your heart;

21and turn ye not aside; for [it would be] after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

22For Jehovah will not cast away his people for his great name's sake; because it has pleased Jehovah to make you his people.

23Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you; and I will teach you the good and right way.