10 She was terribly upset, and prayed to the Lord as she cried and cried. 11 She made a vow, asking, "Lord Almighty, if only you would pay attention to the suffering of your servant and remember me, and not forget me but give me a son, then I will dedicate him to the Lord for his whole life, and no razor shall ever touch his head."

12 As Hannah went on praying before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her head, and though her lips were moving, her voice made no sound. Eli thought she must be drunk.

14 "Do you have to come here drunk?" he asked. "Get rid of your wine!"

15 "It's not that, my lord," Hannah replied. "I'm a very miserable woman. I haven't been drinking wine or beer; I'm just pouring my heart out to the Lord. 16 Please don't think I'm a bad woman! I have been praying because of all my troubles and grief."

17 "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked him for," Eli replied.

18 "Thank you for your kindness to your servant," she said. Then she went on her way, had something to eat, and she didn't look sad any more.