When a loved one is about to undergo surgery, it’s natural to feel worried and wish you could ease their fears. One of the most powerful gifts you can offer is prayer. A heartfelt prayer brings peace when anxiety rises, strength when the unknown feels overwhelming, and hope when circumstances seem out of control. It also reminds your friend that God is near, guiding the doctors’ hands and comforting their heart every step of the way.
These short prayers are simple yet deeply meaningful, making them perfect for sharing with a friend who’s preparing for surgery. Rooted in Scripture, they invite God’s presence into the operating room and remind your loved one that they are not alone. Whether you pray silently, send the prayer in a message, or say it aloud with your friend, these words can bring comfort, courage, and peace before the procedure begins.
23 Short Prayer Before Surgery For A Friend
1. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (ESV)
When fear tries to take over before surgery, this verse reminds us that God is a safe refuge and source of strength. It reassures your friend that no matter how uncertain the procedure may feel, the Lord’s presence surrounds them with protection and comfort. His help is constant, even in the most challenging moments.
Lord, I ask You to be my friend’s refuge and strength as they face surgery. Calm their fears and remind them that You are near. Surround them with Your peace and help them feel secure in Your loving hands.
2. Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (ESV)
Surgery can bring worry, but this verse promises God’s strength and support. It assures your friend that they do not walk into the operating room alone — God will hold them up and give them courage. His presence drives away fear and fills the heart with peace.
Lord, be with my friend as they prepare for surgery today. Give them strength, calm their anxiety, and hold them steady with Your righteous hand. Let them feel Your love and peace guiding every moment.
3. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
Before surgery, anxiety can feel overwhelming, but this verse reminds us to bring every worry to God. His peace goes beyond human understanding and guards the heart against fear. Praying this helps your friend rest in God’s care rather than worry about the unknown.
Lord, take away my friend’s anxiety as they enter surgery. Cover them with Your peace that surpasses understanding and guard their heart and mind. Help them feel safe in Your presence.
4. Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord. (ESV)
This verse promises God’s healing power and restoration. It encourages your friend to trust that He works through doctors and medicine to bring health. Praying this reminds them that their healing is in God’s hands.
Lord, I pray You restore my friend’s health as they undergo surgery. Guide the surgeons’ hands and bring complete healing. Let Your comforting presence surround them throughout this process.
5. Psalm 34:17-18
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (ESV)
This verse comforts anyone feeling afraid or broken before surgery. It reassures your friend that God hears their prayers and stays close to them. His nearness provides hope when the heart feels heavy.
Lord, hear my friend’s cry as they face surgery today. Be near to their heart and fill them with Your peace. Deliver them from fear and give them hope in Your love.
6. James 5:15
And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. (ESV)
Faith-filled prayer invites God’s healing power. This verse reminds your friend that prayer matters and that the Lord listens and responds. It gives hope for recovery and renewed strength.
Lord, I pray in faith for my friend today. Raise them up with renewed health and strength after this surgery. Let them feel Your healing power and presence in every moment.
7. Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (ESV)
When your friend feels helpless before surgery, this verse reminds them that their help comes from the Creator Himself. God’s power is greater than any fear or challenge.
Lord, help my friend lift their eyes to You for strength and courage. Be their source of peace and protection as they undergo surgery. Guide every step of the process with Your loving care.
8. Exodus 15:26
For I am the Lord, your healer. (ESV)
God declares Himself as the healer, reminding us that ultimate restoration comes from Him. Praying this over your friend affirms that their health is secure in His hands.
Lord, I trust You to be the healer for my friend today. Bless the medical team with wisdom and skill. Bring complete healing and comfort during and after the surgery.
9. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (ESV)
Fear often rises before surgery, but God gives strength and calm. This verse reminds your friend that fear is not from Him, and His Spirit provides courage.
Lord, replace my friend’s fear with Your power and love. Give them a calm heart and self-control as they prepare for surgery. Help them trust fully in Your care.
10. Psalm 91:11
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (ESV)
God promises to send His angels to protect His people. This verse is comforting to pray for your friend as they enter surgery. It’s a reminder that they are surrounded by divine protection.
Lord, send Your angels to watch over my friend during surgery. Guard them from harm and fill the room with Your peace. Keep them safe in Your loving care.
11. John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (ESV)
Jesus offers a peace deeper than any the world can give. This verse reminds your friend to rest in His calm presence before surgery.
Lord, give my friend Your perfect peace today. Remove every troubling thought and calm their fears. Let them feel safe and loved in Your presence.
12. Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)
Even surgery can fit into God’s greater plan for good. This verse brings hope and trust when things feel uncertain.
Lord, remind my friend that You are working all things for their good. Use this surgery for healing and blessing. Help them trust Your loving purpose completely.
13. Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (ESV)
Surgery can feel lonely, but God promises to go before us. Praying this helps your friend remember He will never leave them.
Lord, go before my friend and prepare the way. Stay with them through surgery and recovery. Remove fear and give them peace in Your presence.
14. Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (ESV)
Your friend may feel weary and anxious before surgery. Jesus promises rest to those who come to Him.
Lord, give my friend rest as they prepare for surgery today. Lift their burdens and quiet their soul. Surround them with Your gentle care and peace.
15. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (ESV)
When surgery brings uncertainty, trusting God provides peace and direction. This verse calls your friend to lean on Him fully.
Lord, help my friend trust You with all their heart. Guide the doctors and make every step successful. Give them peace as they rest in Your wisdom.
16. Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (ESV)
Surgery can feel like a dark valley, but God’s presence removes fear. This verse comforts the heart when danger feels near.
Lord, walk with my friend through surgery today. Comfort their heart and calm their fears with Your presence. Keep them safe in Your loving hands.
17. Mark 5:34
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (ESV)
Jesus’ words of healing bring hope for those facing surgery. This verse encourages faith in His power.
Lord, strengthen my friend’s faith today. Bring healing and peace as they undergo surgery. Let them experience Your powerful touch and comfort.
18. Psalm 30:2
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. (ESV)
This verse reminds us that God responds when we cry out for healing. It builds hope for recovery.
Lord, I cry out for my friend today. Bring healing through this surgery and restore their strength. Let them feel Your love every step of the way.
19. Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (ESV)
God is a safe place when surgery feels frightening. This verse reassures your friend of His protection.
Lord, be my friend’s refuge today. Surround them with Your goodness and love during surgery. Help them rest in the safety of Your care.
20. 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (ESV)
Before surgery, worry can take over, but God invites us to give Him our cares. This verse assures your friend that He cares deeply.
Lord, I cast my friend’s worries on You today. Calm their heart and remind them of Your love. Give them peace as they trust You through this surgery.
21. Psalm 41:3
The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. (ESV)
God promises to sustain and heal the sick. Praying this verse invites His strength and restoration.
Lord, sustain my friend during and after surgery. Restore their body to full health and give them strength to recover. Keep them safe in Your loving arms.
22. Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (ESV)
God commands courage when fear comes before surgery. This verse reassures your friend that He will be with them always.
Lord, fill my friend with courage and peace today. Help them not be afraid as they enter surgery. Stay close to them every moment with Your love.
23. Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV)
God’s love and mercy are constant, even in times of uncertainty. This verse gives hope and comfort before surgery.
Lord, remind my friend of Your steadfast love today. Carry them through surgery with peace and strength. Let them experience Your great faithfulness every step of the way.
Conclusion
Praying for a friend before surgery is a beautiful way to offer comfort and hope during a time of fear and uncertainty. These Scripture-based prayers remind them of God’s presence, protection, and healing power. Each verse encourages faith and trust, creating a deep sense of peace.
Whether you pray with your friend in person, send one of these prayers in a message, or quietly lift them to God, your words can bring reassurance. As you intercede on their behalf, trust that the Lord is guiding the surgeons, calming their heart, and working for their full healing and recovery.
