1Sam 1, 9-18 I was only pouring out my troubles to the LORD

(1Sam 1, 9-18) I was only pouring out my troubles to the LORD

[9] Hannah rose after one such meal at Shiloh, and presented herself before the LORD; at the time, Eli the priest was sitting on a chair near the doorpost of the LORD'S temple. [10] In her bitterness she prayed to the LORD, weeping copiously, [11] and she made a vow, promising: "O LORD of hosts, if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid, if you remember me and do not forget me, if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the LORD for as long as he lives; neither wine nor liquor shall he drink, and no razor shall ever touch his head." [12] As she remained long at prayer before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth, [13] for Hannah was praying silently; though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli, thinking her drunk, [14] said to her, "How long will you make a drunken show of yourself? Sober up from your wine!" [15] "It isn't that, my lord," Hannah answered. "I am an unhappy woman. I have had neither wine nor liquor; I was only pouring out my troubles to the LORD. [16] Do not think your handmaid a ne'er-do-well; my prayer has been prompted by my deep sorrow and misery." [17] Eli said, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." [18] She replied, "Think kindly of your maidservant," and left. She went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and no longer appeared downcast.

(CCC 2590) "Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God" (St. John Damascene, De fide orth. 3, 24: PG 94, 1089C). (CCC 2578) The prayer of the People of God flourishes in the shadow of God's dwelling place, first the ark of the covenant and later the Temple. At first the leaders of the people - the shepherds and the prophets - teach them to pray. The infant Samuel must have learned from his mother Hannah how "to stand before the LORD" and from the priest Eli how to listen to his word: "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam 3:9-10; cf. 1:9-18). Later, he will also know the cost and consequence of intercession: "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; and I will instruct you in the good and the right way" (1 Sam 12:23).