Saints & Angels
Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
This traditional prayer draws upon the Book of Tobit, where the Archangel Raphael guides the young Tobias on his journey, brings healing to Tobit, and assists Tobias and Sarah. Its author is not generally identified, but the prayer has long circulated in Catholic devotional manuals and prayer cards. Raphael’s name is traditionally understood to mean “God heals,” which explains his association with healing and medicine. Catholics invoke him as a patron of travelers, the sick, and those seeking a happy meeting or a faithful spouse. The prayer also asks for purity of soul and confidence in God’s providential care.
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious for thy gifts of wisdom and grace, thou art a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.
I beg thee, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once thou didst help the young Tobias on his travels.
And because thou art the “medicine of God,” I humbly pray thee to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body, if this favor be for my greater good.
I especially ask of thee an angelic purity, which may fit me to be the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
When to pray it: Pray this before traveling, during illness, when seeking healing, or when asking God for a safe and happy meeting.
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