Still.A prayer for my dad before surgery
A prayer for the night before, three verses to read to him, and how to get through the day. Prayer sits alongside the surgical team’s care. Adapt the words so they sound like you and him.
A prayer for my dad before surgery
Father, tomorrow my dad goes into surgery and I am afraid. You are not afraid. Guide the hands of his surgeon and the whole team. Keep him safe under anaesthetic and bring him back to us. Ease his fear tonight and help him sleep. Give him a clear recovery, and give us patience while we wait. Thank you that you are with him in that room, even when we cannot be. Amen.
Three verses to read to him
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.Psalm 56:3, KJV
In plain words: It does not say “I am never afraid”. It says that when fear arrives, the writer chooses to lean on God.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.Psalm 121:1-2, KJV
In plain words: Help does not come from the mountains or from our own strength, but from the one who made them.
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.Psalm 138:3, KJV
In plain words: The strength described is inner strength, given when you ask. It does not say the circumstances change.
On the day
- Say a short prayer with him before he goes in, if he wants it. Keep it under a minute.
- Bring something to do while you wait, and ask staff how and when you will be updated.
- Pray one sentence each time you check the clock: “Be with him. Be with the team.”
- Afterwards, thank God and also thank the team, in person.
If you are the one waiting
The waiting is its own difficulty. Eat something, drink water, and let someone sit with you. A calm voice reading a short verse can help when your own thoughts are loud. Still. can read one aloud. And if it is your mom who is ill, see a prayer for my mom.
Questions
What do I pray before my father’s surgery?
Ask for his safety, the team’s skill, calm for him and for you, and a good recovery. Keep it honest and short.
Which Bible verse is good before surgery?
Psalm 56:3, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee”, is a common choice.
Is prayer a replacement for medical care?
No. Follow the medical team’s instructions and pray alongside them.
Keep reading
Drafted with AI assistance and edited by the Still. team. Bible quotations are from the King James Version (public domain).