18. Samuel called upon the Lord, and God sent thunder and rain on that very day. Then all the people were in awe of the Lord and Samuel.
19. All of them said to Samuel, "Please pray for us, your servants, to the Lord your God so we don’t die because we have added to our many sins the evil of asking for a king."
20. But Samuel answered the people, "Don’t be afraid. Yes, you’ve done all this evil; just don’t turn back from following the Lord. Serve the Lord with all your heart.
21. Don’t turn aside to follow useless idols that can’t help you or save you. They’re absolutely useless!
22. For the sake of his reputation, the Lord won’t abandon his people, because the Lord has decided to make you his very own people.
23. But me? I would never sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. I will teach you what is good and right.
24. Just fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Look at what great things he has done for you!