1 Samuel 1:7-20

7This happened year after year. Whenever Hannah went to the Lord’s house, Peninnah would make her miserable, and Hannah would cry and not eat.

8Her husband Elkanah would ask her, “Hannah, why are you crying? Why haven’t you eaten? Why are you so downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”

9One day, after Hannah had something to eat and drink in Shiloh, she got up. (The priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the door of the Lord’s temple.)

10Though she was resentful, she prayed to the Lord while she cried.

11She made this vow, “Lord of Armies, if you will look at my misery, remember me, and give me a boy, then I will give him to you for as long as he lives. A razor will never be used on his head.”

12While Hannah was praying a long time in front of the Lord, Eli was watching her mouth.

13She was praying silently. Her voice couldn’t be heard; only her lips were moving. Eli thought she was drunk.

14“How long are you going to stay drunk?” Eli asked her. “Get rid of your wine.”

15Hannah responded, “No sir. I’m not drunk. I’m depressed. I’m pouring out my heart to the Lord.

16Don’t take me to be a good-for-nothing woman. I was praying like this because I’ve been troubled and tormented.”

17Eli replied, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your request.”

18“May you continue to be kind to me,” she said. Then the woman went her way and ate. She was no longer sad.

19Early in the morning Elkanah and his family got up and worshiped in front of the Lord. Then they returned home to Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.

20Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel [God Hears], because she said, “I asked the Lord for him.”