1 Samuel 12:19-24
Contemporary English Version
19 They told Samuel, “Please, pray to the Lord your God for us! We don't want to die. We have sinned many times in the past, and we were very wrong to ask for a king.”
20 Samuel answered:
Even though what you did was wrong, you don't need to be afraid. But you must always follow the Lord and worship him with all your heart. 21 Don't worship idols! They don't have any power, and they can't help you or save you when you're in trouble. 22 But the Lord has chosen you to be his own people. He will always take care of you so that everyone will know how great he is.
23 I would be disobeying the Lord if I stopped praying for you! I will always teach you how to live right. 24 You also must obey the Lord—you must worship him with all your heart and remember the great things he has done for you.
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1 Samuel 12:19-24
New International Version
19 The people all said to Samuel, “Pray(A) to the Lord your God for your servants so that we will not die,(B) 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;(C) yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless(D) idols.(E) They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake(F) of his great name(G) the Lord will not reject(H) his people, because the Lord was pleased to make(I) you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray(J) for you. And I will teach(K) you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear(L) the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart;(M) consider(N) what great(O) things he has done for you.
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