For patients and those who wait

For the morning of an operation.

The night before surgery is long and the morning is worse. These are prayers for the patient, for the surgeon, and for the family in the waiting room — which is its own kind of ordeal.

For the Patient

Lord, tomorrow morning I will be put to sleep
and my life will be in other people's hands —
which is where it has always been, in truth,
though I do not usually notice.

Guide the hands of the surgeon.
Give clear heads to everyone in that room.

Take my fear. If You will not take it, sit with me in it.

Into Your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit —
and my body, which I would very much like back. Amen.

For Those Waiting

Lord, we are sitting here and there is nothing we can do,
which is unbearable.

Be with them in that room.
Be with us in this one.
Steady our hands and quiet our imagining,
and bring us news we can bear. Amen.

Before You Go In

• Ask a priest for the Anointing of the Sick — it is for anyone facing serious surgery, not only the dying, and it may be received again later.
• Ask for Confession and Communion beforehand if you can.
• Tell the hospital you are Catholic; most have a chaplain who will visit.
• Let people pray for you. It is one of the few things they can actually do.