First Reading
1 Samuel 1:9-20
Read this as the first big movement of the day. Notice what God is doing, who is speaking, and what part of the story or teaching should stay with you.
9So Anna arose after she had eaten and drunk in Silo: And Heli the priest sitting upon a stool, before the door of the temple of the Lord:
10As Anna had her heart full of grief, she prayed to the Lord, shedding many tears,
11And she made a vow, saying: OH Lord, of hosts, if you will look down on the suffering of your servant, and will be mindful of me, and not forget your servant, and will give to your servant a man child: I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.
12And it happened, as she multiplied prayers before the Lord, that Heli observed her mouth.
13Now Anna spoke in her heart, and only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard at all. Heli therefore thought her to be drunk,
14And said to her: How long will you, be drunk? digest a little the wine, of which you have taken too much.
15Anna answering, said: Not so, my lord: for I am an exceeding unhappy woman, and have drunk neither wine nor any strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord.
16Count not your servant for one of the daughters of Belial: for out of the abundance of my sorrow and grief have I said till now.
17Then Heli said to her: Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant you your petition, which you have asked of him.
18And she said: Would to God your servant may find grace in your eyes. So the woman went on her way, and ate, and her face was no more changed.
19And they rose in the morning, and worshipped before the Lord: and they returned, and came into their house at Ramatha. And Elcana knew Anna his wife: and the Lord remembered her.
20And it happened when the time was come about, Anna conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel: because she had asked him of the Lord.