1 Samuel 12:19-25

19And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we may not die; for we have added to all our sins the evil of asking a king for ourselves.”

20Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.

21And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.

22For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.

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

24Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

25But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”