Going into hospital for an operation can bring many feelings.
You may feel frightened about the operation itself. You may be worried about the anaesthetic, what the doctors might find, how you will feel afterwards, or how long recovery will take.
Even when the doctors have explained everything, your mind may still be full of questions.
If you are sitting in a hospital room, lying in a hospital bed, or waiting at home for the day of your operation, you can take this moment to talk to God.
You do not have to pretend that you are not afraid.
Bring that fear with you.
Take a Quiet Moment Before Your Operation
If you can, make yourself comfortable.
Take a slow breath.
You don’t need to force yourself to feel calm. Just allow yourself a moment away from everything happening around you.
When you are ready, pray with me.
Let Us Pray
Dear God,
Here I am.
The day I have been thinking about is here, or getting closer.
I wish I could say that I am not frightened.
But You already know what is in my heart.
You know the thoughts I haven’t said out loud.
You know the questions I keep asking myself.
Will I be okay?
Will the operation go well?
What will happen afterwards?
God, I cannot see what is ahead, so I am placing this moment into Your hands.
Please stay close to me.
When I feel frightened, give me comfort.
When my thoughts begin to race, help me come back to this moment.
When I feel alone, remind me that I can speak to You.
God, I pray for the surgeons who will care for me.
Guide their hands and their decisions.
I pray for the anaesthetists, nurses, healthcare assistants and every person who will be part of my care.
Give them wisdom.
Help them notice what needs to be noticed.
Help them work together with care and patience.
And God, please watch over me.
As I am taken into the operating room, be with me.
When I close my eyes, be with me.
While my family or the people who love me are waiting for news, be with them too.
Give them comfort when they cannot be beside me.
And when the operation is over, help me face recovery one day at a time.
There may be days when I feel strong.
There may be days when I feel tired, uncomfortable or frustrated.
On those days, remind me that I don’t have to do everything at once.
Help me take the next small step.
God, I place the things I cannot control into Your hands.
I place my fear in Your hands.
I place this operation in Your hands.
I place tomorrow in Your hands.
And right now, I ask only for the strength I need for today.
Stay beside me.
Comfort me.
Guide those caring for me.
And carry me through the moments when I don’t feel strong enough to carry myself.
Thank You for listening.
Thank You for being here in this quiet moment with me.
So it is.
After Your Prayer
You may still feel nervous after praying, and that is okay. Prayer does not require you to stop feeling afraid.
If something about your operation is worrying you, tell your doctor, nurse or medical team. Ask questions if there is something you don’t understand.
You can also return to this prayer whenever you need a quiet moment before your operation.
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