1 Samuel 1:9-18

9One day they had offered sacrifices at Shiloh. They had finished eating and drinking. Hannah stood up to pray to God. Eli the priest was sitting on his chair beside the door of the Lord's temple.

10Hannah was very upset as she prayed to the Lord. She could not stop weeping.

11She made a promise to God. She prayed, ‘Lord Almighty, you can see how sad I am. Please be kind to me, your servant. Remember me and do not forget me. Please give a son to me, your servant. If you do that, I will give him to serve you for all of his life. Nobody will ever cut his hair.’

12Hannah continued to pray to the Lord. Eli watched her mouth while it moved.

13Hannah was praying quietly inside herself. Her lips moved but Eli could not hear her voice. So he thought that she was drunk.

14He said to her, ‘Are you always drunk like that? Throw away your wine.’

15Hannah replied, ‘No, sir, I have not drunk any wine or strong drink. I have much trouble deep inside myself. I have told the Lord about all my problems.

16Please sir, do not think that I am a bad woman. I am praying like this because I am very sad and upset.’

17Eli said to Hannah, ‘Go and let your mind have peace. I pray that Israel's God will give you what you have asked him for.’

18Hannah said to him, ‘I will try to do what pleases you, sir.’ Then Hannah went away and she ate some food. Her face was not sad now.