Christians turn to prayer in moments of sickness, uncertainty, travel, or important life decisions. Among the heavenly helpers God has given His Church, St. Raphael the Archangel holds a special place as a guide, healer, and companion.
His very name means “God has healed,” making him a powerful intercessor for those seeking physical healing, emotional peace, and spiritual renewal.
This page gathers some of the most loved and effective devotions, including a prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel, a St. Raphael prayer for healing, prayers for protection and safe travel, and a novena.
For those already devoted to St. Raphael or just beginning to know him, these prayers can help you grow in trust in God’s healing love.
Why Pray to St. Raphael the Archangel?
A prayer to St. Raphael is especially meaningful when you are:
- Asking God for physical or emotional healing
- Preparing for a journey or traveling far from home
- Caring for someone who is sick or vulnerable
- Seeking guidance during a difficult decision
- Looking for peace after a long season of struggle
By turning to St. Raphael, we are not placing our trust in an angel instead of God. Rather, we are asking a faithful servant of God to accompany us and present our needs before the Lord with love and care.
Prayers to St. Raphael the Archangel
Below are several traditional and widely used devotions. These prayers come from different Christian sources and devotional traditions but share the same purpose: trusting God’s healing grace through the intercession of St. Raphael.
Saint Raphael Prayer
Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel,
we beseech you to help us in all our needs and trials of this life.
As you were sent by God to restore sight and to guide the young Tobit,
so now guide us along the paths of peace and safety.
Obtain for us healing of soul and body,
protection from every harm,
and the grace to live in faithful obedience to God’s will.
May we one day be made worthy to dwell in His eternal glory.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael for Healing
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael,
great prince of the heavenly court,
you are renowned for wisdom and compassion.
You guide travelers, console the afflicted,
and bring hope to those who suffer.
Because your name means “God’s Healing,”
I humbly ask you to intercede for me before the Lord.
Pray that God may heal the wounds of my soul
and relieve the sickness or burden that afflicts my body.
I especially place before God this intention:
(mention your intention quietly)
Help me to grow in purity of heart and trust in God,
so that my life may reflect His love.
Amen.
Short Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
St. Raphael the Archangel,
angel of healing and divine love,
lead us always along the path of God’s will.
Help us to love generously, live faithfully,
and trust completely in the Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael Before a Trip
Dear St. Raphael,
faithful guide of travelers,
God sent you to accompany Tobias on his journey
and to bring him safely home.
Watch over all who travel today.
Protect us from danger, grant us peace of mind,
and lead us safely to our destination and back again.
May our journeys always draw us closer to God.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael for Protection
Holy St. Raphael the Archangel,
defender and healer,
I ask for your intercession before the throne of God.
Protect me from spiritual and physical harm,
from fear, danger, and temptation.
Guide me on my journey through life,
and help me remain faithful to Christ in all things.
Amen.
Consecration Prayer to St. Raphael
Holy Archangel Raphael,
faithful servant of God and friend of humanity,
I choose you today as my guide and protector.
I consecrate to you my body and soul,
my work, my plans, and my future.
Help me to make wise decisions,
to resist sin,
and to walk always in the path of peace and salvation.
Present my prayers to God
and intercede for me in every need,
until the day I may praise Him with you forever in heaven.
Amen.
Novena to St. Raphael the Archangel
(Pray for nine consecutive days, or nine hours in urgent need)
Novena Start Date: September 20
Feast Day of St. Raphael: September 29
Many Catholics and Christians choose to begin the Novena to St. Raphael the Archangel on September 20, leading up to his feast day on September 29. This novena is especially prayed for healing, guidance, safe travel, and clarity during difficult seasons of life.
Begin each day with:
One Our Father
One Hail Mary
One Glory Be
Then pray:
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael,
medicine of God and faithful companion of those who journey through life,
intercede for (name) in this time of need.
As you once guided Tobias, protected him from danger,
and brought healing to his family,
pray that God may grant healing, peace, and renewal
according to His holy will.
May the Lord hear and answer this prayer
for His greater glory and our good.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Who Is St. Raphael the Archangel?
St. Raphael the Archangel is one of the three archangels specifically named in Sacred Scripture, along with St. Michael and St. Gabriel. His name, which means “God has healed,” perfectly reflects his mission and the role he plays in salvation history.
We meet St. Raphael in the Book of Tobit, where he is sent by God to assist a righteous family during a time of suffering. Disguised as a man named Azariah, he accompanies the young Tobias on a dangerous journey, protects him from harm, and offers wise counsel along the way. Through God’s power, St. Raphael later helps restore the eyesight of Tobias’ father, Tobit, bringing great joy and healing to the entire household.
Because of this biblical role, St. Raphael has long been honored as the patron saint of healing, travelers, physicians, nurses, caregivers, and those facing important life decisions. He is often invoked by people who are ill, preparing for surgery, traveling far from home, or seeking emotional and spiritual healing.
According to Christian tradition, St. Raphael is one of the seven angels who stand before the throne of God, faithfully presenting the prayers of God’s people. While all healing ultimately comes from God alone, the Church encourages believers to ask for the intercession of angels and saints, just as we ask fellow Christians to pray for us. In this way, devotion to St. Raphael deepens trust in God’s mercy rather than replacing it.
Closing Reflection
Praying to St. Raphael the Archangel reminds us that God does not leave His people alone in suffering, sickness, or uncertainty. Through His angels and saints, God offers reassurance, guidance, and healing hope. Whether you are praying for physical healing, emotional peace, safe travel, or clarity in a difficult season, you can confidently place your intentions before the Lord.
If you return to these prayers often, may they strengthen your faith, deepen your trust in God’s loving care, and remind you that He walks with you on every journey of life.
