Your request for prayer for your spouse has been heard and we are joining you before the Lord with you in this long and painful trial. To endure severe gastrointestinal trouble for months and to go through removal of the appendix and gall bladder and then bowel surgery for diverticulitis is a heavy burden for your spouse to bear and for you to witness, and we are asking God to have mercy and to bring comfort and strength to you both.
We are reminded that Christ Himself, though He had no need to suffer, tasted death for every person as a physician tastes the food he prepares for the sick, so that the sick might take courage and trust him. He knows what it is to suffer and He brings many sons to glory through His suffering, and He can make even suffering a path to greater glory and nearness to Him. This church is a spiritual surgery where wounds received outside can be healed, and we pray that the true Physician will lay His hand upon your spouse. We also pray for the gift of long suffering for you both, which is stronger than any other defense and which, like a spark falling into the deep, is not overcome but is quenched, keeping the soul steady when unexpected trials fall.
Let us pray together. Father in heaven, we thank You that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone and that He suffered for us. We lift up this dear spouse to You in the name of Jesus. You know the pain, the weakness after so many operations, and the ongoing trouble in the body. We ask You to grant healing according to Your will, to ease the gastrointestinal distress, to restore strength, to guide the doctors and give wisdom for further care, and to give peace that passes understanding. Grant to both husband and wife endurance, patience, and hope, and keep them in Your care through this affliction. Sustain them day by day and let them know Your presence and comfort. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.