A Prayer for Strength Before Surgery

Father, the day is here, and I am lying in this cold room in a thin gown, listening to the machines and trying to keep my hands from shaking. Soon they will wheel me away, and I cannot go with myself.

I confess I am afraid of what they will find, afraid of the not-knowing, afraid of going under and not being in control. My mind keeps running ahead to everything that could go wrong.

So I give this body and this day to You, the One who made me and knows what is broken inside better than any scan. I cannot watch over myself while I sleep, but You never sleep.

Steady the hands of every surgeon and nurse who will work over me today. Guide each careful decision and every steady cut. And when I cannot feel anything and cannot speak a single prayer, let Your presence be the thing holding me, deeper than the anesthesia.

You said that even when I walk through the darkest valley, I do not need to fear, because You are with me. So I will not walk into this fear alone.

Whatever I wake to, I wake held by You, and that is enough to close my eyes in peace. Amen.