Surgical Psalms contains 36 reflections about the author's experiences of diagnosis and surgical recovery from colon cancer. These reflections seek spiritual dimensions of his situation. The author drew from the Psalms to reflect on various aspects of this experience. As the background to Surgical Psalms states, "I wrote these reflections for my own spiritual understanding, to think about and respect the path of life and death. These are issues, experiences and paths which other people deal with; perhaps my reflections might assist others in finding and following their spiritual path." The author acknowledges great gratitude to God, "for all His guidance and healing, and for all the people who acted as His instruments and guides for my surgical path - surgeon, doctors, nurses, family, friends, priest, and particularly my wife."
