1 Samuel 12:19–23

12:19 All the people said to Samuel, “Pray to the Lord your God on behalf of us—your servants—so we won’t die, for we have added to all our sins by asking for a king.”25

12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. You have indeed sinned.26 However, don’t turn aside from the Lord. Serve the Lord with all your heart. 12:21 You should not turn aside after empty things that can’t profit and can’t deliver, since they are empty.27 12:22 The Lord will not abandon his people because he wants to uphold his great reputation.28 The Lord was pleased to make you his own people. 12:23 As far as I am concerned, far be it from me to sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you! I will instruct you in the way that is good and upright.