The hours before surgery are among the most vulnerable in human life. You lie in a hospital gown, stripped of control, about to hand your body to strangers wielding scalpels. Fear is natural. But you are not alone in that operating room. The God who formed you in the womb will be with you under anesthesia, guiding every hand that touches you.
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." — Deuteronomy 31:8
Catholic Prayer Before Surgery
Pray this the morning of your surgery, in the pre-op room, or wherever you are when fear begins to rise:
Lord God, my Creator and Healer,
In a few hours, I will be on an operating table, unconscious and vulnerable. I cannot control what happens next. But I know Who can.
I place my body, my life, and this surgery entirely in Your hands. You designed this body — every system, every organ, every cell. You know it better than any surgeon. Guide their hands as if they were Your own.
Give the surgical team clarity of mind, steady hands, and sharp focus. Let no mistake be made. Let no complication arise. Let the procedure accomplish exactly what it needs to accomplish — and nothing more.
Remove all fear from my heart. Replace it with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Even as the anesthesia takes me under, hold me in Your arms. When I wake, let the first thing I see be evidence of Your faithfulness.
Guardian Angel, my faithful companion, stay with me in the operating room. You have watched over me every day of my life — do not leave me now.
St. Luke, physician and Evangelist, intercede for the doctors who will operate on me. St. Raphael, angel of healing, bless this procedure and my recovery. Blessed Virgin Mary, hold my hand through this valley of uncertainty. I trust you.
Lord, I am not my own. I was bought with a price — the price of Your Blood on the Cross. This body is Your temple. Preserve it. Restore it. Let me wake up to praise You.
Into Your hands I commend my spirit.
Amen.
What to Do Before Surgery as a Catholic
1. Receive the Sacraments
- Confession — Go to Confession before surgery. Clear your soul. This brings profound peace.
- Eucharist — If surgery allows for eating beforehand, attend Mass and receive Communion. If NPO (nothing by mouth), make a Spiritual Communion from your hospital bed.
- Anointing of the Sick — Request this sacrament. It is specifically designed for those facing surgery. Call your parish or ask the hospital chaplain.
2. Prepare Spiritually
- Write down your intentions and offer the surgery for those intentions
- Ask family and friends to pray during the exact hours of surgery
- Post your intention on the MyPrayerTower Prayer Wall
- Carry a small sacramental — a rosary, a miraculous medal, a scapular (ask the nurse if you can keep it nearby)
3. Prepare Practically
- Complete any advance directives
- Leave important documents accessible for your family
- Write a letter to loved ones — not because you expect the worst, but because love deserves to be spoken
- Arrange for Communion to be brought to you post-surgery if you expect a long hospital stay
A Short Prayer in the Pre-Op Room
When you are lying in the hospital bed, IV in your arm, waiting to be wheeled in:
Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Into Your hands, I commend my spirit. Amen.
This is enough. You don't need eloquence. You need trust.
A Prayer for the Surgical Team
This beautiful prayer shifts your focus from your own fear to a blessing over the people caring for you:
Lord, bless every person who will be in that operating room today.
Bless the surgeon — give them wisdom, precision, and calm confidence. Bless the anesthesiologist — let their calculations be exact. Bless the nurses — let their attentiveness be flawless. Bless the technicians — let every machine work perfectly.
These people are instruments of Your healing. Even if they do not know You, use their skill for Your purposes. Grant them focus, energy, and the extraordinary care that my situation requires.
Amen.
Patron Saints for Those Facing Surgery
St. Luke the Evangelical
A physician himself, St. Luke understood medicine and healing. He is the patron of doctors and surgeons. Ask his intercession for surgical skill and medical wisdom.
St. Raphael the Archangel
The angel of healing. In Tobit 6-12, Raphael provided specific medical instructions for healing. He is the heavenly guide for all medical procedures.
St. Cosmas and St. Damian
Twin brothers who were physicians and martyrs. They provided free medical care to the poor and are patrons of surgeons, pharmacists, and the medical profession.
St. Padre Pio
Known for miraculous healings attributed to his intercession. He bore the stigmata for 50 years — the wounds of Christ in his own body — and understood the intersection of suffering and grace.
Scripture for Surgical Peace
- Isaiah 41:10 — "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God."
- Psalm 46:1 — "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
- Psalm 23:4 — "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."
- Jeremiah 29:11 — "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you."
- Romans 8:28 — "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him."
A Prayer for Family Members During Surgery
For those in the waiting room, which is often harder than being on the table:
Lord, my loved one is in surgery right now, and I am in this waiting room, helpless.
I cannot do anything but trust You. So I trust You. I place them completely in Your care. Be with them every second. Guide every hand that touches them.
Give me peace while I wait. Help me resist the urge to catastrophize. Remind me that You are in control — in the operating room and in this waiting room.
When the surgeon comes out, let the news be good. And whatever happens, give me the grace to receive it with faith.
Mary, hold both of us — the one on the table and the one in the chair. We need you.
Amen.
FAQ
What Catholic prayer should I say before surgery?
The prayer to St. Raphael and the Act of Surrender (placing yourself in God's hands) are traditional Catholic prayers before surgery. Requesting the Anointing of the Sick is the most important sacramental preparation.
Should I get the Anointing of the Sick before surgery?
Yes. This sacrament is specifically intended for those facing serious medical procedures. It confers grace for healing, peace, and courage. Contact your parish priest or hospital chaplain to arrange it.
Can I wear a rosary or medal during surgery?
Usually, metal objects must be removed for safety during surgery. However, you can tape a Miraculous Medal to your gown or ask the nurse to place a rosary at your bedside. Many hospitals accommodate religious items.
How can I calm my fear before surgery?
Repeat the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me") or simply "Jesus, I trust in You." Deep breathing combined with prayer engages both body and spirit. The Rosary is also deeply calming.
What Bible verse is best before surgery?
Deuteronomy 31:8 is widely used: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid." Also Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.
Surgery is a moment of profound vulnerability — and profound trust. Let the MyPrayerTower community carry you in prayer during your procedure. Download the app to receive daily prayers for healing and courage.