A Prayer Before A Child’s Hospitalization - To Light Their Way

A Prayer Before a Child’s Hospitalization

Help me remember, O Lord,

That nothing surprises You

And no need is too great

For Your mighty hand.

O Lord, I ache to fix things,

To heal my child,

To protect them from suffering.

And though I wish I were in control,

I’m fighting to trust that You alone are God.

As they prepare to don a gown

And be whisked away from my hands,

Go where I cannot, O God.

Fill the doctors and nurses

With compassion, confidence, and care

As they help my child toward healing.

Spirit, hover over every poke and prick,

Every doctor’s decision,

And every piece of medical equipment.

Thank You for the gift of modern medicine

And every skilled professional.

Steady the hands

That hold my child.

O God, as I pray for my child,

I pray, too, for the mothers and fathers

Who ache for their children to receive this level of care

But are unable to because of where they live.

Help my child to be courageous

In the face of the unknown.

Help me be a soothing presence

As we say goodbye

And as I trust You to bring us back together soon.

Spirit, be with [child’s name].

Be near, O Lord.

Heal their body and spirit,

And be with me

As I sit on a plastic waiting room chair,

Watching the clock

As I wait with bated breath.

I pray for healing to come.

Help me trust those caring for my child.

Help me remember their oath

To do no harm.

Help me remember

You have given us every reason to trust You,

O Lord.

You are good, O Lord.

You love [child’s name]

More than I do—a truth almost unfathomable.

I cling to Your truth like a life preserver,

Holding me afloat on a sea of unknown.

Give me peace

As I turn every anxiety over to You.

Psalm 28:7; Isaiah 41:10