18 Then Samuel called on the Lord,(A) and that same day the Lord sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe(B) of the Lord and of Samuel.

19 The people all said to Samuel, “Pray(C) to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die,(D) for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king.”

20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil;(E) yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless(F) idols.(G) They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake(H) of his great name(I) the Lord will not reject(J) his people, because the Lord was pleased to make(K) you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray(L) for you. And I will teach(M) you the way that is good and right.

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18 So Samuel called unto the Lord; and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.

19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.

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

21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

22 For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.

23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

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