A prayer for a parent before surgery

Short prayers for each moment

The night before: Lord, give [mom / dad] rest tonight, and quiet their fears about tomorrow. Amen.

On the day: Father, go with them into the operating room. Guide every hand that cares for them today. Amen.

While you wait: God, the hours are long. Hold my parent, and hold me. Amen.

For the medical team: God, give the surgeons, anesthesiologist and nurses wisdom, steady hands and care for my parent. Amen.

For recovery: Lord, thank you for bringing them through. Please heal their body, ease their pain and give them strength, day by day. Amen.

If there are complications: God, this is not what we hoped for. Be near to my parent, give the doctors wisdom, and keep us close to you. Amen.

Using these prayers

Use the name you call your parent (mom, mum, mother, dad or father), or say their name. For a friend, replace “my [mom / dad]” with their name. Name your loved one and the medical team before God; you can do this wherever you are.

If you would like to pray aloud with your parent, ask, “Would you like me to pray with you?” Respect their answer. You can also ask whether a meal, a ride or help at home would be useful.

When you can’t be there

If you live far away or can’t be at the hospital, your prayer reaches the same God. Send your parent a short message, such as “Praying for you today. God is with you, and so am I,” and ask someone near them to keep you updated.

Prayer and medical care

Praying does not replace good medical care, and it does not promise a particular outcome. It brings your parent, and your fear, to God, who cares for both. Keep asking the doctors your questions, follow their advice, and let others pray with you.

Scripture behind this prayer

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:1–8

Psalm 121 is a song of trust in the God who watches over his people. It is not a promise that surgery will be free of complications. We can ask for safety and healing while trusting him through what we cannot control.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4–7

Paul writes from prison to believers in Jesus: bring your requests to God with thanks. His promise of peace in Christ does not mean the operation will go as we hope or that fear will vanish at once.