Before a Surgical Operation

HELP of the helpless, Comfort of the comfortless! we entreat Thee in behalf of this afflicted one who must soon pass through an ordeal, the thought of which tries and vexes him. Thou canst heal and Thou canst save. From Thee flows forth eternally a tide of healing energy to destroy the ravages of sickness, pain and death. Set Thy servant, through trust and confidence in Thee, in the currents of Thy saving power, so that he may surrender himself wholly to Thy keeping. Grant that he may fall gently and sweetly asleep, undisturbed in body or in mind. Guard him through the hours of unconsciousness, and restore him in due time to the world on which he has for a while shut his eyes. We thank Thee for the resources of medical science, for their power to assuage pain and bring peace to the suffering nerves. Guide the surgeon's knife, so that through the wounds which it must make, there may enter the forces that cure and save. Give to all who care for Thy servant, physicians and nurses and friends, the wisdom, the patience, the tenderness, which will assure him that he is safe in Thy hands, and shielded by Thy goodness. Awaken faith in the heart of the sufferer, and of those who watch by his bedside that it may be done unto them according to their faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.