St. Raphael is remembered in Catholic devotion as an angelic companion associated with healing, protection, guidance and safe journeys. His name is commonly translated as “God heals” or “God has healed,” reflecting the mission God gives him in the Book of Tobit.
This collection includes a St. Raphael prayer for healing and protection, prayers before medical treatment and travel, a short prayer for urgent moments, guidance for difficult decisions and a complete nine-day novena.
Short St. Raphael prayer: St. Raphael the Archangel, faithful servant of God, pray for me in this time of need. Ask the Lord to grant healing, protection and wisdom according to His loving will. Accompany me on the road ahead and help me remain close to Christ. Amen.
These are original Jesusfully prayers shaped by the biblical themes associated with Raphael. They are not magic formulas and do not guarantee a particular healing, journey or life outcome.
Prayer may accompany medical care, counselling and other responsible support, but it should not replace them. Seek qualified medical attention for illness or injury and urgent local assistance for life-threatening symptoms.
Choose a Prayer to St. Raphael
| Present need | Go to |
|---|---|
| A general prayer | Prayer to St. Raphael |
| Physical illness or recovery | Prayer for healing |
| Surgery or medical treatment | Prayer before treatment |
| Emotional or spiritual wounds | Prayer for inner healing |
| Protection from harm | Prayer for protection |
| A journey or flight | Prayer for safe travel |
| An important decision | Prayer for guidance |
| A sick relative or friend | Prayer for a loved one |
| Doctors, nurses or caregivers | Prayer for caregivers |
| Relationships and good encounters | Prayer for happy meetings |
| Nine days of focused prayer | St. Raphael novena |
Who Is St. Raphael the Archangel?
Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, a deuterocanonical book included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. Most Protestant traditions place Tobit among the Apocrypha or do not include it in the Old Testament canon.
The story follows an Israelite man named Tobit, his son Tobiah and a young woman named Sarah. Some English translations call the son Tobias, but he should not be confused with his father, Tobit.
Both Tobit and Sarah are suffering and pray for help. God sends Raphael in human appearance to assist them. Raphael travels with Tobiah, gives him guidance, helps protect him during the journey and participates in the events through which Sarah is delivered and Tobit’s sight is restored.
Near the end of the book, Raphael reveals his identity:
“I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord.” — Tobit 12:15
Raphael also explains that he presented the family’s prayers and that God had sent him. He directs Tobit and Tobiah to bless, praise and thank God rather than treating the angel as the independent source of the help they received.
| Raphael’s role in Tobit | Devotional association |
|---|---|
| He accompanies Tobiah on a journey | Travellers and safe journeys |
| He gives practical guidance | Discernment and important decisions |
| He participates in Tobit’s healing | The sick, medical workers and healing prayer |
| He helps Tobiah and Sarah | Marriage, relationships and happy meetings |
| He presents prayers before God | Intercession |
| He repeatedly directs attention to God | Thanksgiving and trust in God |
Why Do Catholics Pray to St. Raphael?
In Catholic language, praying “to” a saint or angel means asking for intercession. It does not mean treating that saint or angel as God.
Catholics believe that the Church in heaven remains united with believers on earth and that the saints may be asked to pray for the world. Angels are understood as created servants and messengers who act according to God’s will.
Therefore, a Catholic prayer to Raphael is properly understood as:
St. Raphael, pray for me and ask God to help me.
It should not mean:
Raphael, replace God, control my future or grant this request by your own independent power.
Christians from Protestant traditions commonly direct prayer to God alone and do not ask angels or departed saints for intercession. Readers should follow their conscience and church teaching rather than using words they do not sincerely accept.
Prayers to St. Raphael for Healing, Protection and Guidance
The following prayers are original Jesusfully prayers. You may adapt the wording, mention a person by name or add the particular concern you are bringing before God.
1. Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
St. Raphael the Archangel, faithful messenger and servant of God, accompany me as you accompanied Tobiah on his journey.
Present my needs before the Lord and pray that He will grant me healing, protection, wisdom and peace according to His holy will.
Help me recognise God’s guidance, follow what is true and give thanks for every grace I receive.
Lead me closer to Jesus Christ, in whose name I place my hope. Amen.
2. St. Raphael Prayer for Healing
St. Raphael, whose name reminds us that God heals, pray for me during this illness and recovery.
Ask the Lord to bring healing where healing is possible, relief where pain is severe and endurance where the path is long.
Pray that I may receive accurate diagnosis, suitable treatment, wise medical care and the support I need.
Keep me from despair, false promises and decisions made from panic. Help me entrust my body, mind and future to God while using the help He provides.
I especially ask your intercession for:
Mention your healing intention.
May God’s will be done with mercy, wisdom and love. Amen.
3. Prayer to St. Raphael Before Surgery or Medical Treatment
Holy Raphael, companion of the sick and those who care for them, pray for me as I prepare for this procedure or treatment.
Ask God to guide the doctors, nurses, technicians and every person responsible for my care. Give them attentiveness, sound judgement and steady hands.
Pray that I may understand the information given to me, ask necessary questions and make decisions without being ruled by fear.
May the treatment be beneficial, the risks be carefully managed and my recovery receive the patience and support it requires.
Above all, help me remain close to Christ before, during and after this experience. Amen.
4. Prayer for Emotional and Spiritual Healing
St. Raphael, pray for me in the wounds that cannot easily be seen.
Ask God to bring truth into confusion, comfort into grief and hope into the places where discouragement has taken root.
Help me seek trustworthy pastoral, medical or therapeutic support when I need it. Keep me from expecting one prayer to erase every painful memory or difficult emotion immediately.
Pray that God will heal what can be healed, strengthen me through what remains and guide me towards relationships and practices that support spiritual and emotional health.
May Christ be my peace and my sure hope. Amen.
5. St. Raphael Prayer for Protection
St. Raphael the Archangel, faithful companion on life’s journey, pray for God’s protection over me and those I love.
Ask the Lord to preserve us from avoidable danger, deception, temptation and decisions that could bring harm.
Help us remain watchful rather than careless, peaceful rather than reckless and trusting without ignoring practical wisdom.
When danger cannot be avoided, pray that we may receive courage, assistance and a safe way forward.
May the angels serve according to God’s command, and may all glory belong to Him. Amen.
6. Prayer to St. Raphael for Safe Travel
St. Raphael, who accompanied Tobiah on a long journey, pray for all who travel today.
Ask God to guide drivers, pilots, sailors, passengers and everyone responsible for safe transport.
Protect us from distraction, poor judgement, mechanical failure, dangerous weather, crime and other hazards.
Help us prepare responsibly, obey safety instructions, allow sufficient time and avoid unnecessary risks.
Lead us safely to our destination, and bring us home with gratitude and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
7. Prayer to St. Raphael for Guidance
St. Raphael, wise guide and faithful servant, intercede for me as I face this decision.
Ask God to free me from haste, fear, pride and the desire to hear only what agrees with my preference.
Help me gather accurate information, receive wise counsel and recognise the responsibilities attached to each option.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide my conscience and give me courage to choose what is truthful, loving and responsible.
May I follow God’s will rather than attempting to make God endorse a decision I have already made. Amen.
8. Prayer to St. Raphael for a Sick Loved One
St. Raphael the Archangel, I ask your intercession for (name), who is facing illness, pain or recovery.
Present this person’s needs before God. Pray for suitable care, relief from suffering and strength for each day.
Comfort the family and friends who feel helpless or afraid. Give us wisdom about what assistance is genuinely useful and patience when healing takes longer than hoped.
Help us respect the sick person’s dignity, listen carefully and avoid making promises that we cannot guarantee.
May God surround (name) with mercy, faithful companionship and peace. Amen.
9. Prayer for Doctors, Nurses and Caregivers
St. Raphael, pray for everyone entrusted with caring for the sick, injured, elderly and vulnerable.
Ask God to give medical workers knowledge, patience, compassion and integrity. Help them recognise what they know, what they need to investigate and when another specialist should be consulted.
Strengthen family caregivers who are tired, worried or carrying responsibilities with too little support.
Protect caregivers from exhaustion, resentment and preventable mistakes. Lead them towards rest, assistance and healthy limits.
May their work reflect God’s concern for every human life. Amen.
10. St. Raphael Prayer for Happy Meetings and Relationships
St. Raphael, whose journey with Tobiah led to an important meeting with Sarah and her family, pray for my relationships and future encounters.
Ask God to bring trustworthy people into my life and help me recognise character more clearly than charm, appearance or pressure.
Protect me from manipulation, unsafe relationships and the temptation to treat every meeting as a guaranteed sign from God.
If marriage is part of my future, guide me towards a relationship marked by faith, honesty, patience and mutual respect.
If God leads me along another path, help me receive that calling without believing my life is incomplete.
May every relationship draw me towards truth and love. Amen.
An Entrustment Prayer With St. Raphael
Holy Raphael, servant of the living God, I ask you to accompany me in prayer as I entrust my life, work, plans and future to the Lord.
Pray that I may use my body responsibly, guard my soul from sin and seek wisdom before making important decisions.
Help me remember that you are God’s servant and that every grace, protection and healing comes from Him.
May your example of faithful service encourage me to obey God, care for those who suffer and praise Him for His works.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Nine-Day Novena to St. Raphael the Archangel
A novena is traditionally prayed over nine days. You may begin this novena on September 20 in preparation for the September 29 feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, or pray it during any nine-day period.
Choose one intention for the entire novena or bring a different need before God each day.
Opening Prayer for Every Day
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, You sent Raphael to accompany Tobiah, assist Sarah and participate in the healing of Tobit.
Through the intercession of St. Raphael, hear the intention I bring before You during this novena:
Mention your intention.
Grant what will serve Your glory and my true good. Give me faith when the answer is delayed, humility when it differs from my request and gratitude for every grace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Day 1: Trust in God’s Providence
St. Raphael, pray that I may recognise God’s care even when I cannot understand the road ahead.
Help me trust without becoming passive, and act responsibly without believing that everything depends upon my control.
Ask God to guide this novena according to His wisdom. Amen.
Day 2: Physical Healing
St. Raphael, intercede for those living with illness, injury, disability or chronic pain.
Ask God to grant healing where possible, relief where needed and perseverance throughout treatment and recovery.
Lead the sick towards competent medical care and dependable support. Amen.
Day 3: Emotional and Spiritual Healing
St. Raphael, pray for those carrying grief, trauma, fear, shame or spiritual discouragement.
Ask God to bring truth, comfort and wise companionship. Help those who need professional care receive it without shame.
May Christ heal wounded hearts and restore hope. Amen.
Day 4: Medical Workers and Caregivers
St. Raphael, pray for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, emergency workers and family caregivers.
Ask God to grant them wisdom, compassion, endurance and integrity.
Protect them from exhaustion and help them recognise when they need rest or assistance. Amen.
Day 5: Protection and Safe Travel
St. Raphael, companion of Tobiah, intercede for all who travel by road, air, sea or rail.
Ask God to preserve them from danger and guide everyone responsible for their safety.
Help travellers prepare wisely, remain alert and return home in peace. Amen.
Day 6: Guidance and Difficult Decisions
St. Raphael, pray for those deciding about treatment, work, education, relocation, vocation or family responsibilities.
Ask God to remove confusion created by fear, pride or misinformation.
Lead us towards sound advice and decisions consistent with truth and love. Amen.
Day 7: Relationships and Happy Meetings
St. Raphael, intercede for friendships, families, marriages and people seeking a future spouse.
Ask God to bring healthy relationships, reveal unsafe intentions and form in us the character required to love others responsibly.
Help us avoid treating attraction or coincidence as automatic proof of God’s will. Amen.
Day 8: Repentance and Spiritual Protection
St. Raphael, pray that I may recognise sin, deception and unhealthy habits clearly.
Ask God to grant genuine repentance, forgiveness and strength to make necessary changes.
Help me remain close to Christ, attentive to Scripture and faithful within the life of the Church. Amen.
Day 9: Thanksgiving and Surrender
St. Raphael, join me in giving thanks to God for every grace received during this novena.
Pray that I will not measure God’s love only by whether my preferred answer occurs.
Help me surrender this intention to the Father and continue faithfully along the path He gives me. Amen.
Closing Prayer for Every Day
St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us.
Holy angels of God, serve according to His will and lead us towards Christ.
May the Father grant us mercy, the Son save us and the Holy Spirit guide us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When Is St. Raphael’s Feast Day?
In the present Roman Catholic calendar, Raphael is honoured with Michael and Gabriel on September 29, the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.
A nine-day novena commonly begins on September 20 and ends on September 28. It is not necessary to wait until September to ask for Raphael’s intercession.
Prayer, Healing and Medical Care
A St. Raphael healing prayer should never be used to promise a cure or discourage appropriate treatment.
| Prayer may accompany | Prayer should not replace |
|---|---|
| Trust in God | Medical diagnosis |
| Hope during treatment | Prescribed medication |
| Prayer for doctors and nurses | Qualified clinical care |
| Strength during recovery | Emergency assistance |
| Spiritual and pastoral support | Mental-health treatment when needed |
| Discernment about options | Accurate medical information and informed consent |
Seek urgent local medical assistance for severe breathing difficulty, signs of stroke or heart attack, major injury, unconsciousness, uncontrolled bleeding or another life-threatening emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short prayer to St. Raphael?
You can pray: “St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for me. Ask God to grant healing, protection and wisdom according to His will, and help me remain close to Christ. Amen.”
What does the name Raphael mean?
The Hebrew name Raphael is commonly understood to mean “God heals” or “God has healed.” The name reflects the healing mission associated with Raphael in the Book of Tobit.
Is St. Raphael mentioned in the Bible?
Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, which is part of the Catholic and Orthodox biblical canons. Most Protestant traditions classify Tobit as Apocrypha or do not include it in their Old Testament canon.
Does St. Raphael heal people?
Catholic devotion does not treat Raphael as a source of healing independent of God. In Tobit, God sends Raphael as His servant. Catholics therefore ask Raphael to intercede while recognising God as the giver of healing.
Why is St. Raphael associated with travellers?
Raphael accompanies Tobiah on a long journey, offers guidance and helps him return home safely. This biblical role led to his traditional association with travellers and safe journeys.
Can I pray to St. Raphael before surgery?
Yes, within Catholic devotion you may ask Raphael to intercede for you, the medical team and your recovery. Prayer should accompany—not replace—proper medical care and informed discussion with your healthcare professionals.
Is St. Raphael my guardian angel?
Raphael is honoured as an archangel in Catholic tradition, but the Church does not teach that he is every person’s individual guardian angel. Catholics may still ask for his intercession and companionship.
Can I pray to St. Raphael for a future spouse?
Yes. Catholics sometimes seek his intercession because of his role in the meeting and marriage of Tobiah and Sarah. The prayer should ask for wisdom, healthy relationships and God’s will rather than treating Raphael as a guarantee that a particular person is destined to become your spouse.
When should I begin the St. Raphael novena?
You may begin on September 20 to complete it before the September 29 feast, or begin on any day when you wish to pray for nine consecutive days.
Can non-Catholics pray these prayers?
Non-Catholics may read the prayers and the Book of Tobit, but asking angels and saints for intercession reflects specifically Catholic and Orthodox beliefs. Readers should not repeat devotional language that conflicts with their conscience or church teaching.
Are these traditional St. Raphael prayers?
The prayers on this page are original Jesusfully prayers informed by the Book of Tobit and Catholic teaching. They are not presented as ancient texts or as official liturgical prayers of the Catholic Church.
Catholic and Biblical Sources
- USCCB introduction to the Book of Tobit
- Tobit 12: Raphael reveals his identity
- Vatican News: St. Raphael, Archangel
- Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Angels
- Catechism of the Catholic Church: Asking the Saints’ Intercession
Let Raphael’s Mission Direct You Back to God
The story of Raphael does not end with the family praising an angel. It ends with Tobit and Tobiah blessing God and giving thanks for what He has done.
Bring your need before God honestly. Ask for Raphael’s intercession if that reflects your faith, use appropriate practical help and remain open to an answer that may differ from the one you expect.
Continue with the Jesusfully Prayer Library, read Scripture in the online Bible or learn how God answers prayer according to Scripture.