Catholic Prayers for Surgery

Definition

A Catholic prayer for surgery is a heartfelt supplication or intercession offered to God, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or saints, seeking divine guidance, protection, healing, and peace for a person undergoing a surgical procedure. These prayers often invoke God’s mercy, the intercession of saints (such as St. Luke or St. Peregrine), or the healing power of Jesus, the Divine Physician, and may be said before, during, or after surgery to support the patient, medical team, and loved ones. Rooted in Catholic tradition, such prayers may accompany sacraments like the Anointing of the Sick and draw from Scripture for comfort and strength.

Prayers for Surgery (7)

Prayer Before Surgery (Catholic Online)
O Jesus Christ, Messiah and Lord, grant me joyful acceptance of the surgery which awaits me, and let this be the relief and cure which I seek. Make skilled the work of the surgeon and that of his team, for it is unto their knowledge and skill that I give myself for healing. I pray You, O Lord, that this procedure will be without complication, and that my recovery will be speedy and complete. Amen.
Prayer for Healing (Padre Pio)
Heavenly Father, I thank You for loving me. I thank You for sending Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to the world to save and set me free. I trust in Your power and grace that sustain and restore me. Loving Father, touch me now with Your healing hands, for I believe that Your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul, and spirit. Cover me with the Most Precious Blood of Your Son from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. Cast out anything that should not be in me. Root out any unhealthy cells, open any blocked arteries, remove all inflammation, and cleanse any infection. Let Your healing love heal me so my body functions as You created it to. Amen.
Prayer to St. Luke, Patron of Physicians
Saint Luke, you are the patron saint of physicians and surgeons. Please pray for me and all those involved in my surgery or recovery. Help lead me to trust in Jesus, the Divine Healer. Guide the hands of the medical team with wisdom and precision. May their work bring healing and peace, and may I rest in God’s presence throughout this trial. Amen.
Prayer After Surgery (Catholic Online)
Blessed Savior, I thank You that this operation is safely past, and now I rest in Your abiding presence, relaxing every tension, releasing every care and anxiety, receiving more and more of Your healing life into every part of my being. In moments of pain, I turn to You for strength; in times of loneliness, I feel Your loving nearness. Grant that Your life and love and joy may flow through me for the healing of others in Your name. Amen.
Prayer for the Surgical Team
Almighty Father, we lift up the surgeons, nurses, and medical staff entrusted with [Name]’s care. Grant them wisdom, precision, and calm focus as they perform this surgery. Bless their hands to bring healing, and may their actions be guided by Your presence. Let Your peace and wisdom lead every decision. In Jesus’ name, we ask for a safe and successful procedure. Amen.
Prayer to St. Peregrine for Cancer Patients
O great St. Peregrine, called “The Mighty” and “The Wonder-Worker” for the miracles you obtained from God, you bore cancer with patience and faith. Intercede for [Name] facing surgery, especially if battling cancer. Ask God and Our Lady for their cure or the grace to endure with Christian resignation. May they be strengthened and sanctified, and may we imitate your divine love. Amen.
Prayer for Peace During Surgery
Lord Jesus, I pray for Your healing touch upon my body during my surgery. Guide the hands of the doctor and all who assist. Use their skills to restore me to health and wholeness. Remove any fear or anxiety from my mind and fill me with the peace that You alone can give. I place myself completely in Your hands, trusting in Your care and love. Amen.

Real Life Stories (7)

Anna’s Heart Surgery Miracle
Anna, a 45-year-old mother from Ohio, faced open-heart surgery in 2023. Her parish prayed a novena to St. Peregrine, and she received the Anointing of the Sick. Despite a high-risk procedure, Anna recovered faster than expected, attributing her healing to God’s grace through communal prayer. Her family felt God’s presence in the waiting room, easing their fears.
John’s Emergency Appendectomy
John, a 19-year-old college student, was rushed to the hospital in 2024 with a ruptured appendix. His mother prayed the Rosary during his surgery, asking for Mary’s intercession. The surgeon later said the procedure was “textbook perfect,” and John was back to school within weeks, calling it a answered prayer.
Maria’s Cancer Surgery
Maria, a 60-year-old grandmother from Texas, underwent surgery for breast cancer in 2022. She carried a relic of St. Padre Pio into the operating room. Post-surgery, her tumor margins were clear, defying initial prognosis. Maria now leads a prayer group for cancer patients, inspired by her healing.
Fr. Michael’s Knee Replacement
Fr. Michael, a 70-year-old priest, needed knee replacement surgery in 2025. His parishioners offered Masses for his recovery. Despite his age, he walked unaided within days, crediting the Eucharist and St. Camillus de Lellis’ intercession for his swift recovery.
Clara’s Childbirth Surgery
Clara, a 28-year-old from Florida, required an emergency C-section in 2024. Her husband prayed to St. Gianna Beretta Molla, patroness of mothers. Both mother and baby survived a risky procedure, and Clara now shares her story to encourage expectant mothers to trust in God.
Tom’s Brain Tumor Removal
Tom, a 50-year-old engineer, faced brain surgery in 2023. His family prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet daily. The tumor was benign, and Tom regained full function, calling his recovery a testament to Jesus’ mercy and the power of prayer.
Elena’s Spinal Surgery
Elena, a 35-year-old nurse, underwent spinal surgery in 2024 after a work injury. She prayed to St. Raphael the Archangel for healing. Her surgery was complication-free, and she returned to nursing, inspired to pray for her patients as they had prayed for her.

Bible Stories (7)

Jesus Heals the Woman with a Hemorrhage (Luke 8:43-48)
A woman suffered from bleeding for 12 years, spending all she had on doctors. She touched Jesus’ cloak in faith, and her bleeding stopped. Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” This story inspires trust in Jesus’ healing power before surgery.
Jesus Heals the Blind Man Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus healed him, saying, “Your faith has healed you.” This encourages bold prayer for surgical healing.
Jesus Heals the Paralytic at Bethesda (John 5:1-9)
A man, paralyzed for 38 years, lay by the pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?” He commanded him to rise, take his mat, and walk. The man was healed instantly, showing Jesus’ power to restore during medical trials.
Elisha and Naaman’s Healing (2 Kings 5:1-14)
Naaman, a Syrian commander with leprosy, sought healing from Elisha. Elisha instructed him to wash in the Jordan seven times. Naaman obeyed, and his skin was restored. This story reflects humility and trust in God’s healing plan.
Jesus Heals the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
A centurion asked Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant. He said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus marveled at his faith and healed the servant, inspiring confidence in intercessory prayer.
Tobit’s Blindness Healed (Tobit 11:7-15)
Tobit, a righteous man, was blinded by bird droppings. His son Tobias, guided by St. Raphael, applied fish gall to Tobit’s eyes, restoring his sight. This story highlights St. Raphael’s role as a healing intercessor for surgical patients.
Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-43)
Jairus, a synagogue leader, begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite news of her death, Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He raised her to life, offering hope for miraculous outcomes in dire medical situations.

Comments by People (7)

Sarah, 32, Chicago: “I prayed the Rosary during my mom’s hip surgery last year. It gave me peace in the waiting room, and her recovery was smoother than we hoped. Mary’s intercession is real!”
James, 45, Boston: “Before my heart bypass, I received the Anointing of the Sick. I felt God’s presence during surgery, like a calm over my soul. I’m here today because of those prayers.”
Lisa, 50, Miami: “St. Peregrine’s novena got me through cancer surgery. My tumor was smaller than expected, and I believe it was a miracle through his prayers.”
Mark, 28, Seattle: “I was terrified before my appendix surgery. My priest prayed with me, and I felt Jesus’ peace. The surgery went perfectly, and I’m so grateful.”
Teresa, 60, New York: “Praying to St. Camillus de Lellis for my husband’s surgery gave us hope. The doctors were amazed at his quick recovery. God is good!”
David, 35, Houston: “The Divine Mercy Chaplet was my anchor during my sister’s brain surgery. She’s recovering well, and I know Jesus heard our prayers.”
Monica, 40, Los Angeles: “I wrote a prayer to St. Luke for my son’s tonsillectomy. He was so calm going into surgery, and I felt God’s hand over us.”

Bible Verses (10)

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 30:2: “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
James 5:15: “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 53:5: “By his wounds we are healed.”
Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Psalm 41:3: “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”

Stories of Random Catholic Saints (3)

St. Camillus de Lellis (1550–1614)
Camillus, a former soldier and gambler, suffered a chronic leg wound that led him to serve the sick in hospitals. He founded the Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers of the Infirm, dedicated to caring for the ill. As patron of the sick and hospitals, he is invoked for surgical patients, offering hope through his own endurance of pain and service to others.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla (1922–1962)
Gianna, a pediatrician and mother, faced a uterine tumor during pregnancy. Choosing to save her unborn child over her own life, she underwent surgery to remove the tumor but died days after giving birth. Her sacrifice makes her a patroness for mothers and those facing risky surgeries, inspiring trust in God’s plan.
St. Raphael the Archangel
While not a human saint, St. Raphael is a heavenly intercessor for healing, as seen in the Book of Tobit. He guided Tobias to heal Tobit’s blindness with fish gall. Known as the “healing angel,” Raphael is invoked for protection and recovery during surgical procedures, reminding us of God’s angelic care.

Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People (5)

The Woman with a Hemorrhage (Luke 8:43-48)
A woman, afflicted for 12 years, touched Jesus’ cloak in a crowd, believing it would heal her. Her bleeding ceased instantly, and Jesus said, “Your faith has healed you.” This encounter teaches trust in Jesus’ healing touch during medical challenges.
The Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
A Roman centurion humbly asked Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant, saying, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus praised his faith and healed the servant from a distance, showing the power of intercessory prayer for loved ones facing surgery.
Bartimaeus the Blind Man (Mark 10:46-52)
Bartimaeus called out to Jesus despite the crowd’s rebuke. When Jesus asked what he wanted, he replied, “I want to see.” Jesus restored his sight, saying, “Go, your faith has healed you.” This story encourages persistent prayer before surgery.
The Paralytic at Bethesda (John 5:1-9)
Jesus approached a man paralyzed for 38 years, asking, “Do you want to get well?” He told him to take up his mat and walk, and the man was healed. This encounter highlights Jesus’ initiative in bringing healing, offering hope for surgical recovery.
Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-43)
Jairus pleaded for his dying daughter. Jesus, undeterred by her reported death, took her hand and said, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” She rose, alive. This miracle inspires faith in Jesus’ power over life and death during critical surgeries.

Prophetic Declarations (10)

In the name of Jesus, I declare that [Name]’s surgery will be successful, with no complications, and their recovery will be swift and complete.
By the power of Jesus’ Precious Blood, I declare that every cell, tissue, and organ in [Name]’s body will align with God’s perfect design for health.
I declare that the hands of the surgeons and medical team are guided by divine wisdom and precision, as God’s presence fills the operating room.
I declare that fear and anxiety are cast out from [Name]’s heart, replaced by the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding.
In Jesus’ name, I declare that [Name]’s body is healed and restored, functioning as God created it to, free from disease or pain.
I declare that God’s angels surround [Name] during surgery, protecting them from all harm and ensuring a safe procedure.
By faith, I declare that [Name] will rise from their sickbed, restored to strength and vitality, to testify to God’s healing power.
I declare that God’s plan for [Name] is for hope and a future, and this surgery will be a step toward their abundant life in Christ.
In the name of Jesus, I declare that no weapon formed against [Name]’s health shall prosper, and they are covered by God’s healing grace.
I declare that [Name]’s family and loved ones are filled with hope and courage, trusting in God’s faithfulness through this surgical journey.

Prayer Points (10)

Pray for God’s healing touch to be upon [Name], restoring their body, mind, and spirit during and after surgery.
Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide the surgeons, nurses, and medical team with wisdom, skill, and compassion.
Seek God’s peace to guard [Name]’s heart and mind, removing all fear and anxiety before the procedure.
Pray for a complication-free surgery, with every step aligned with God’s will for healing.
Intercede for [Name]’s swift recovery, that their strength and health be fully restored.
Ask for the intercession of St. Luke, St. Peregrine, and St. Camillus to support [Name] through their medical trial.
Pray for the family and friends of [Name], that they find comfort and hope in God’s presence during the waiting period.
Seek protection from any spiritual or physical harm, declaring God’s angels to guard [Name] in the operating room.
Pray for [Name] to feel God’s love and presence, strengthening their faith throughout the surgical process.
Offer thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness, trusting that He works all things for good, even in this surgery.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Trusting the Divine Physician Before Surgery

Find a quiet space, light a candle, or hold a rosary to center your heart. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, imagining yourself in the presence of Jesus, the Divine Physician. Picture His gentle hands, radiant with healing light, resting upon you or your loved one preparing for surgery. Reflect on Psalm 30:2: “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” Let these words sink into your soul, reminding you that God hears your cries.

Visualize the operating room bathed in God’s light, with angels standing guard and the medical team guided by divine wisdom. Release your fears to Jesus, saying, “Jesus, I trust in You,” as you hand over every worry—fear of complications, pain, or the unknown. Feel His peace, like a warm blanket, enveloping you, as promised in Philippians 4:6-7. Imagine St. Luke, the physician-saint, interceding for the surgeons, and St. Raphael, the healing angel, watching over the procedure.

Spend a moment thanking God for His love and the gift of medicine. Picture your loved one (or yourself) rising from the hospital bed, restored and whole, testifying to God’s healing power. Conclude by praying the “Prayer Before Surgery” (above), entrusting the surgery to Christ’s care. Rest in the assurance that, as Romans 8:28 declares, God works all things for good for those who love Him. Carry this peace with you, knowing the Divine Physician is near.