I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, Adonai! I will keep Your decrees.”
A prayer of the afflicted one, when he is faint and pours out his lament before Adonai:
With my whole heart have I sought You —let me not stray from Your mitzvot.
I have sworn and confirmed to observe Your righteous rulings.
Away from me, evildoers, so I may keep the mitzvot of my God!
So I may always keep Your Torah, forever and ever,
I have entreated Your favor with all my heart. Be gracious to me according to Your word.
I will observe Your statutes. Never abandon me utterly!
On God, my salvation and my glory is the rock of my strength. My refuge is in God.
Gladden the soul of Your servant, for to You, my Lord, I lift up my soul.
You will seek Me and find Me, when you will search for Me with all your heart.
While her soul was bitter, she prayed to Adonai and wept.
But in response Hannah said, “No, my lord, I am a woman with an oppressed spirit! I haven’t been drinking wine or beer. Instead I’ve been pouring out my soul before Adonai.