What to Pray Before Your Child Goes Into Surgery
Preparing for a loved one’s surgery or medical procedure can be stressful and anxious. We’ve put together this list of verses and prayers to meditate on or pray for your child or loved one in advance. You may even want to pray this with them. As you read these words, our hope for you is that –– just as Jesus calmed the stormy seas –– he will bring peace, strength, and hope to your heart (Mark 4:35-41).
Would you like our team to pray for you? Send us your prayer request here.
Prayers for Peace and a Calm Heart
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern
my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind
and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot
attain it.
Psalm 139:1-6
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
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Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. Just as you spoke to the wind and the waves that stormy night, I ask you to speak peace and quiet over any fears and worries in our hearts. You know [name] intimately, so I pray that you will guide the doctors and medical staff in your perfect wisdom to bring healing and restoration. We know that there is truly nothing that can separate us from your love, so I ask for your presence to stay with us to keep our minds focused on that is true and to guard our thoughts from anxiety and fear. Thank you for providing so faithfully. We love you and rest in your perfect peace today.
Prayers for Strength and Courage
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
—
Lord, you are all powerful, and yet you’re gentle and present with us in times of need. It’s times like now that we are reminded of our weaknesses, but we stand on your promise that your power is in us most beautifully when we are weak. I ask that you would give [name] strength and courage by your Spirit right now. In you, we can have a quiet confidence and rest securely knowing that we’re in your loving hands. Even while we wait for the procedure, you say that you go ahead and prepare the way. Let your truth be a light for us to walk by, and help us to trust in your provision and guidance. In the strong name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Prayers for Hope
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:21-24
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3
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It’s in times of waiting that we need a strong anchor to hold onto, and the secure love and grace we have in Jesus is that ultimate hope and anchor. Jesus, we want you to be our portion and sustainer while we wait for this procedure. I ask that you would take [name’s] right hand as a reminder that your love takes away fear and your presence brings peace. You walked the earth and saw the effects of sickness first-hand, so you are the perfect helper for our hearts and souls today. When [name] or I feel afraid, please help us to trust you. Help us to put our confidence in you alone. Thank you for enduring so much to bring grace and comfort to us. I love you. Amen.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Would you like our team to pray for you? Send us your prayer request here.
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