Are you or someone you care about facing an upcoming surgery? In the time leading up to the operation, the patient may experience anxiety, sadness, and a sense of vulnerability. This page offers a comprehensive collection of prayers for surgery that can be lifted up before God--for patients...
These prayers are designed for patients to use personally or for loved ones to pray on behalf of a family member or friend preparing for surgery....
The following prayers for surgery include ones the patient can use and petitions friends and family can lift up before the Lord...
A Prayer the Patient can Use:
Dear Lord,
With this upcoming surgery weighing on my heart, I come before You seeking Your comfort and strength. Lord, You say in Your Word that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I am reminded specifically of the words of Jesus in Matthew 28 : "Lo, I am with you to the very end of the age." Lord, I know I can get through this with Your peace filling me. As David declares in Psalm 23, Yeah do I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." In Isaiah, You tell me that You keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast and stayed upon You. As I cling to Your Word, help me not only to undergo this process with Your peace but also to have that awareness of Your presence at all times. May Your healing touch flow through my body. Please guide the hand of the surgeon and fill all the medical staff with Your wisdom. I lift up this prayer before You for a successful surgery with no further complications....in Jesus' Name, Amen!
A Prayer a Friend or Loved One Can Use on Behalf of the Patient:
Dear Lord,
I do lift up (friend/loved one's name), that You would comfort them and fill him/her with Your peace. You say in Your Word that You are a God who is very present in trouble and that nothing can separate us from Your love. I pray that You would extend Your peace, strength, and healing to ----------- (person's name). Please guide the hand of the surgeon, and may the process lead to his/her full restoration of health that ____________ (person's name) may continue living and being a testimony for You. Thank You for being a God whose love is unfailing and for Your ability to do immeasurable more than we can ask or think. Thank You that ____________ (person's name)'s time is in Your hands. In Jesus' Name I/we pray....Amen!
Here are a few one-line requests modeled after words that are lifted up to God in the Psalms and similar Scripture passages, designed for a patient to reflect on during surgery (prayers can be lifted up to the Lord mentally and from anywhere):
"Be gracious to me and hear my prayer." (Psalm 4:1)
"Let Your steadfast love be my comfort." (Psalm 119:76)
"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed." (Jeremiah 17:14)
"Preserve my life, for You are faithful." (Psalm 86:2)
"Do not be far from me, for trouble is near." (Psalm 22:11)
"Deliver me in Your righteousness." (Psalm 31:1)
"Let Your mercy surround me in this moment." (Psalm 32:10)
"Restore my strength; uphold me by Your power." (Psalm 41:3)
"Lord, let the light of Your face shine on me." (Psalm 4:6)
"Be my rock and fortress, my safe refuge." (Psalm 18:2)
These prayers for surgery combine trust in God’s promises with direct requests for His care and intervention, echoing the heartfelt dependence of the Psalmists.
Here are short, simple affirmations from Scripture the patient might also mentally reflect on during surgery:
"You are with me, Lord." (Psalm 23:4)
"I trust You, my Healer." (Exodus 15:26)
"Your peace surrounds me." (Philippians 4:7)
"You are my refuge and strength." (Psalm 46:1)
"You hold me in Your hands." (Isaiah 41:10)
"Guide their hands, Lord." (Psalm 32:8)
"Your plans for me are good." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"Not my will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
"I will not fear; You are my help." (Isaiah 41:13)
"You never leave me nor forsake me." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Each of these short phrases is grounded in Scripture and easy for a patient to remember, helping them focus on God’s presence and promises during surgery.
After a Surgery Went Well:
"Dear Lord, I'm so grateful You brought me through this surgery. I pray moving forward that You would guide the process every step of the way as well as the medical staff as they attend to me. You say in Your Word that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17), and I thank You for the gift of healing that has begun. Please give me the strength to recover fully, patience in the healing process, and a heart full of thanksgiving for Your goodness. Help me to trust You completely as I move toward restoration, knowing that You are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). In Jesus' name, Amen."
References: James 1:17, Psalm 46:1
After a Surgery That Didn't Go Well
Dear Lord, I come to You with a heavy heart, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges following this surgery. Things didn’t go as hoped, and I find myself in need of Your comfort and strength now more than ever. You promise to be close to the brokenhearted and to save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18), and I ask for Your nearness in this moment. Please grant wisdom to the medical staff as they seek solutions, and guide every decision made on my behalf. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and help me to trust in Your plans, even when they are hard to comprehend. I know that You are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Hold me in Your loving arms as I lean on You for healing and hope. In Jesus' name, Amen.
References: Psalm 34:18, Philippians 4:7, Psalm 46:1
Dear Lord, thank You for bringing me to this stage of recovery and for the strength You’ve given me thus far. As I transition into rehabilitation, I ask for Your guidance, patience, and perseverance through this next chapter. Please give wisdom and compassion to the therapists and medical staff who will support me, and help them tailor their care to my needs. Strengthen my body and renew my spirit daily, reminding me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Lord, I ask for courage in moments of struggle, comfort when progress feels slow, and hope that I will continue to heal according to Your perfect plan. Remind me that Your grace is sufficient and that Your power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Help me to trust in Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6), and that You will carry me through this season with Your unfailing love and faithfulness (Psalm 36:5). Guide my steps each day, for You say that those who hope in You will renew their strength and will run and not grow weary (Isaiah 40:31).
Be with me every step of the way, Lord, helping me to see this time not as a setback but as an opportunity to grow stronger physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I surrender this journey to You, knowing that You are working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28). In Jesus' name, Amen.
References: Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 36:5, Isaiah 40:31, Romans 8:28
The prayers for surgery on this page can be a help when you are struggling to pray or find the words to express your concerns as well as your faith. May the Lord give You His peace and uplift Your spirit during these times surgery takes place--either in your own life or in the lives of people you know.
Dear Lord,
I come before You with a grateful heart for the skilled hands and compassionate spirits of those who care for people during times of surgery. I lift up the surgeons, asking for Your wisdom to guide their hands and decisions with precision and clarity. May they be filled with confidence and peace, knowing that You are directing their efforts.
I pray for the nurses and all medical staff who provide attentive care and comfort. Grant them patience, understanding, and the strength to carry out their responsibilities, ensuring the patient’s needs are met with gentleness and empathy.
I lift up the anesthesiologists, who ensure the patient’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Please grant them alertness, skill, and discernment as they monitor vital signs and adjust medication as needed.
Lord, I also pray for the support staff, from those preparing the surgical rooms to the individuals cleaning and maintaining equipment. May their work be blessed and contribute to a seamless and safe environment.
Father, remind each member of the medical team that their work is not just a profession but a calling, and that You are present in each moment of care. Let Your peace and protection surround them as they serve, and may they feel Your presence in their hearts.
We thank You, Lord, for these dedicated individuals who selflessly devote their time and talents to helping others. May Your grace and protection cover them and Your perfect wisdom guide them as they perform their vital roles.
In Jesus' mighty name, we pray, Amen.
Scripture References:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:1-2)
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.” (Numbers 6:24-25)
Pre-Surgery Prayer for Calmness:
Heavenly Father,
As I prepare to face this surgery, I seek Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Calm my anxious thoughts and fill me with Your presence. Let my heart rest in the knowledge that You are with me, and that Your love sustains me. Help me to trust in Your plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Remove any fear or worry, and replace it with unwavering faith that You are guiding every step of this journey.
May Your comforting words, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6), bring me serenity in this moment.
Grant me courage and steadiness as I step into the procedure, knowing that You are my refuge and my strength.
In Jesus' mighty name, I pray, Amen.
Prayer for Resilience During Recovery:
Dear Lord,
I come to You now in this time of healing. The road may be long and challenging, but I lean on Your strength to sustain me. Help me to remain patient when progress feels slow and give me the perseverance to face each day with hope. Fill my mind with positive, uplifting thoughts, and help me find peace in Your promises.
Teach me to draw near to You, to rest in Your embrace, and to know that You are at work, even when I can’t see it. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Help me to cast my worries upon You, for You care for me. Remind me of Your unending love and the power of Your healing touch.
In Jesus' name, I pray,
Amen.
Scripture References:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“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)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
These prayers and Scriptures aim to provide comfort and strength for those navigating the emotional and mental challenges that often come with surgery and recovery.
Below are inspiring stories of individuals who experienced successful surgeries and remarkable recoveries, in which God's power was at work and where prayer made a difference...
Brian Birdwell: Faith Through Fire
On September 11, 2001, Brian Birdwell was severely burned over 60% of his body in the Pentagon attack. Over 40 surgeries later, he attributes his recovery to the unwavering prayers of family, friends, and even strangers. Brian often speaks about how his faith in God sustained him through excruciating procedures and gave him a sense of peace amidst the pain. His testimony illustrates the power of prayer in transforming suffering into a renewed sense of purpose.
Learn more: https://brianbirdwell.net/sen-brian-birdwell-shares-how-he-survived-9-11-attack-on-the-pentagon/
2. Lysa TerKeurst: The president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and a well-known Christian author, Lysa TerKeurst has shared her journey of overcoming health challenges, including surgery, and how prayer played a significant role in her recovery. In 2019, she underwent a partial hysterectomy and shared the experience on social media and in interviews, emphasizing the importance of prayer, faith, and community support during her recovery process.
Learn more: https://lysaterkeurst.com/2016/06/22/a-few-really-scary-days/
3. William Haney: In 2008, after years of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Mr. Haney faced a life-threatening heart condition. Despite persistent chest pain and discomfort, he ignored warning signs until he was hospitalized for a heart catheterization. The procedure revealed that he had two blocked arteries, one of which was 100% blocked. As he prepared for surgery, he prayed, surrendering his life to God and finding peace in trusting Him.
During surgery, Mr. Haney experienced an overwhelming sense of peace and divine love, which he later described as a miraculous encounter. Though there were complications after the surgery, with concerns of bleeding, his wife fervently prayed, speaking life into him. This powerful act of faith, along with the dedication of the medical team, led to a miraculous recovery. By the afternoon, Mr. Haney had stabilized, and his condition continued to improve rapidly.
He credits the success of the surgery and his recovery to God’s faithfulness and the power of prayer, which he believes were key to overcoming the crisis.
Learn more: https://onewithchristministries.org/about-us-1/william-s-heart-surgery-testimony/
These testimonies remind us that God’s grace is present in every stage of healing—before, during, and after surgery. They also affirm that prayers, whether whispered in quiet moments or shared by a community, can bring peace and strength in the face of uncertainty.