Prayer Before Surgery
A prayer for those about to undergo surgery — for peace, divine protection, and skilled medical hands
The Prayer Before Surgery asks for peace, protection and skilled hands for the surgical team. It places your fear in God's care and invites Mary and the saints to accompany you. Many Catholics also request the Anointing of the Sick before an operation. The prayer is short and can be repeated in the waiting room. Bring a rosary or holy card to the hospital if you can, and ask a priest for the Anointing of the Sick. Thank the nurses and surgeons, and trust that you are not alone in the room.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayPrayer Before Surgery
Lord Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician, I come before You now in the hours before this surgery. I confess that I am afraid — afraid of the unknown, afraid of the pain, afraid of what the doctors might find, afraid of not waking up.
But I place my fear in Your hands. You hold my life. Nothing happens to me that does not first pass through Your loving will. I trust not in my own courage but in Yours.
Bless the hands of my surgeons and the minds of my medical team. Let them be instruments of Your healing today. Give them skill, steadiness, and wisdom. Protect me during this procedure and in my recovery.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
Lord, I entrust my body and soul to You. Whether this surgery brings the healing I am hoping for or leads me to a longer road, let me find You there. Let me not walk through this alone.
Mary, Mother of the Sick, stay close to me.
St. Luke, patron of physicians, intercede for me.
St. Raphael, angel of healing, accompany me.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pray the Prayer Before Surgery?
Pray it the night before and again before you go into the operating room.
How do I pray the Prayer Before Surgery?
Breathe slowly, read the prayer, and ask your family to join you.
Who is the Prayer Before Surgery for?
Patients, their families and the medical teams caring for them.
Pray this prayer, and save your favourites, in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play