Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of those who journey by land or sea, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.
I beg you to assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
And because you are the “Medicine of God,” I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and all the ills which afflict my body, if it be for my greater good.
I especially ask of you the favor of:
(State your intention here.)
Obtain for me also the grace of angelic purity, which makes me fit to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel asks his intercession for healing, protection, safe travel, and guidance. His name means “God has healed.”
St. Raphael, one of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, Angel of Health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains.
Intercede for those afflicted by disease, and guide our steps when we are doubtful of our way. Amen.
Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel, we beseech you to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as you, through the power of God, didst restore sight and give guidance to young Tobias.
We humbly seek your aid and intercession, that our souls may be healed, our bodies protected from all ills, and that through divine grace we may become fit to dwell in the eternal glory of God in heaven. Amen.
The Archangel Raphael with Tobias, by Pietro Perugino (c. 1496–1500). Public domain, National Gallery, London.
Pray to St. Raphael before a journey, during an illness or recovery, for a doctor or nurse, for a good marriage, or whenever you need guidance on the road ahead. Many Catholics pray the traditional prayer as a nine-day novena, ending on his feast day, September 29, or at any time of need. Say the prayer slowly, name your intention where the prayer invites it, and finish with a Glory Be.
St. Raphael is one of only three angels named in the canonical Scriptures, together with St. Michael and St. Gabriel. Raphael plays a central role in the Book of Tobit, where his mission reveals God’s healing care and providential guidance. Christian tradition has long honored him as the “Medicine of God.”
The Book of Tobit recounts the trials of Tobit, a devout Israelite who suffered persecution for his works of mercy and later became blind. Tobit sends his son Tobias on a journey to recover money left with a relative. Tobias hires a guide who introduces himself as “Azariah, son of the great Hananiah,” but the guide is actually the Archangel Raphael appearing in human form.
During the journey, Raphael protects Tobias from a large fish and instructs him to preserve its heart, liver, and gall. He then guides Tobias to Sarah, daughter of Raguel, whom Tobias marries after the demon Asmodeus is driven away and bound. When they return home, the fish’s gall is used to heal Tobit’s blindness.
Only after completing his mission does Raphael reveal his identity: “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord” (Tobit 12:15).
Because of his mission in the Book of Tobit, St. Raphael is invoked as a patron of travelers, the blind, physicians and nurses, those seeking healing, and those discerning or preparing for a good and holy marriage.
In the current General Roman Calendar, his feast is celebrated with Sts. Michael and Gabriel on September 29. In the older Roman calendar, St. Raphael’s feast was observed separately on October 24.
Whether we turn to St. Raphael for healing, safe travel, or guidance toward a holy vocation, his mission in the Book of Tobit reminds us that God sends His angels to accompany and assist us, even when, like Tobias, we do not recognize them at first.
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