Studies have shown that prayer increases the likelyhood of recovering from major surgery.
Blessing Before Major Surgery
Major surgery always has the risk of complications and, in some cases, death. The following prayer is designed for patients undergoing risky or complicated surgery that puts their lives at risk, that God might bless them and keep them no matter what happens on the operating table:
“God the Father, have mercy on [insert patient’s name]. God the Son, have mercy on [insert patient’s name]. God the Holy Spirit, grant [insert patient’s name] peace. Bless [insert patient’s name], Your beloved child, as he/she enters surgery, so that, no matter what happens, he/she is secure in Your love. Comfort all who wait for news of [insert patient’s name]’s surgery, and remind them they are not alone in You. Amen.â€
This prayer is designed as a blessing for the patient so that he/she is reminded of God’s love for him/her. The language indicates that, if the patient does die during the surgery, he/she is secure in God’s love forever.
The family sharing this prayer may also choose to prepare themselves in case the patient does not make it by sharing stories, saying what is on their hearts, and offering additional prayers and rituals, such as anointing or last rites, depending upon the family’s particular Christian practices.
Prayer to Cope With Complications of Surgery
Sometimes, a surgery does not go as planned. The patient may need additional surgery, or the surgery may reveal other health problems. The following prayer offers comfort and support to a Christian and his/her family in the face of difficult post-surgery news:
“God, be with [insert patient’s name] and those who love him/her as [insert patient’s name] struggles with [insert complications of surgery]. Hold [insert patient’s name] tightly in Your healing embrace, and let him/her know that he/she is never alone in You. Comfort all who mourn this news, and let them, too, know that You weep with them and hope for the best. Amen.â€
A family or friends might share this prayer after news of complications during surgery in the hospital waiting room or other gathering place. Participants might offer specific prayers of healing for the patient and hold hands, if desired, to increase support and connection during this difficult time.
Thanksgiving for a Successful Surgery
Most surgeries end successfully, to the relief of everyone involved. The following thanksgiving offers the patient and his/her family a means to rejoice in a successful surgery:
“Loving God, thank you for bringing [insert patient’s name] safely through surgery. We rejoice in the technology, skill, and compassion that have healed [insert patient’s name] this day. Be with him/her and all who love him/her on the road of recovery, and remind us all that we are Your beloved children, with whom You are well pleased. Amen.â€
A family may desire to share this prayer after the patient has woken up from surgery or in the waiting room after they hear the news of a procedure’s success.
Having surgery can be a difficult time for both patient and family. With prayer, however, the Christian can invite God to be a part of the surgery and trust that he/she is never alone, no matter what happens.