Prayer Before Surgery
For the hours before the operation — when the gown is on, the forms are signed, and all that is left to do is pray.
For the one going through those doors, and for the one who waits — pray slowly, and by name. Prayer is not a guarantee; but neither of you faces these hours alone.
The Prayer
Say the name of the one facing surgery where the prayer leaves room for it:
Prayer to Saint Expedite Before Surgery
Saint Expedite, I come to you in the hours before this surgery, and I will not pretend I am not afraid. You are the saint of the urgent hour — and this hour is ours.
Take (say their name) into your keeping. Go with them through the doors I cannot pass. Stand beside the surgeon and guide their hands. Keep watch over the anesthetist, the nurses, every hand that will care for them. Let the work be swift, clean, and complete. Shorten the time on the table, and speed the waking afterward.
And for those of us who wait — still our hearts, and bring us the good news quickly: it is over, it went well, you can see them soon. Saint Expedite, do not delay. Hodie. Amen.
Then Pray the Classic Prayer
Prayer to Saint Expedite for Urgent Help
Saint Expedite, you lay in rest.
I come to you and ask that this wish be granted.
(Here, clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)
Expedite now what I ask of you.
Expedite now what I want of you, this very second.
Don’t waste another day.
Grant me what I ask for.
I know your power, I know you because of your work.
I know you can help me.
Do this for me and I will spread your name with love and honor
so that it will be invoked again and again.
Expedite this wish with speed, love, honor, and goodness.
Glory to you, Saint Expedite!
Light a Candle Before the Operation
Light a free virtual candle in the shrine’s chapel before the surgery begins, and let it burn through the waiting — so that while you sit in that room, a flame is standing watch with you.
You can also place their name on the shrine’s petition wall, so others are praying through those same hours with you.
For the days that follow, there is a prayer for someone in the hospital and a nine-day novena for the sick to carry the recovery — and the shrine’s general prayer for healing. More prayers are on the prayers page.