Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel: Full Text
The traditional prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel in full, with a short prayer for healing and travel, his story in Tobit, and when to pray it.
Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel
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 specially ask of you the favor of [state your intention here] and the grace of angelic purity, which makes me fit to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Traditional Catholic prayer, widely published on Catholic prayer sites. Its author is not known.
A Personal Prayer to Saint Raphael
Saint Raphael, faithful companion of Tobias, walk beside me today.
You know the roads I travel and the worries I carry. Where I am sick in body, ask the Lord for healing. Where I am sick at heart, ask Him for peace. Where I have lost my way, take my hand and lead me back.
Bless the people I love who are far from home, and keep them safe on their journey. Bless the doctors, nurses and caregivers who tend the suffering. Help me to trust that God is near, in the waiting as much as in the answer.
Saint Raphael, pray for me, and bring my prayer to God. Amen.
Short Version
Saint Raphael, Medicine of God, guide me on my way and heal what is wounded in my body and soul, if it be for my good. Amen.
A Prayer for Travelers
O God, who in Your goodness made blessed Raphael the guide of Your faithful on their journeys, we humbly ask that we may be guided by him in the way of salvation, and know his help in the maladies of our souls. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Healing and Protection
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, restored sight to Tobit and gave 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.
Who Is Saint Raphael and When to Pray
Saint Raphael is one of the three archangels honored by name in the Church. His story is told in the Book of Tobit, where he travels with young Tobias, helps him on a long journey, and later heals the blindness of Tobit, Tobias's father. In the story he first appears under another name, and only at the end does he say who he really is. The name Raphael is commonly understood to mean "God heals," which is why many people turn to him in sickness.
The Church celebrates the three archangels together on September 29, the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
When to pray it: before a trip, when someone you love is ill, before surgery or a hard diagnosis, when you are looking for guidance, or any time you need a gentle companion on the way. Pray slowly, name your intention, and end with a moment of silence.
The Book of Tobit is part of the Catholic Old Testament. Because many Protestant Bibles leave it out, we have not quoted it here.
Scripture to Pray With
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Psalm 91:11 (KJV)
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psalm 34:7 (KJV)
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 1:14 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saint Raphael the Archangel?
He is one of the archangels honored by name in the Church. In the Book of Tobit he guides young Tobias on a journey and helps heal Tobit's blindness.
What is Saint Raphael the patron of?
He is traditionally invoked for healing, travelers, and guidance. People also ask for his help in finding a good path in life.
What is the feast day of Saint Raphael?
The Church celebrates Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael together on September 29.
Is it okay to ask an archangel to pray for me?
Yes. Catholics ask angels and saints to pray with them and for them, just as they ask friends. The prayer always goes to God, who answers.
Who wrote the prayer to Saint Raphael?
The author of this traditional prayer is not known, and slightly different wordings are in circulation. We do not claim a specific author or date.
Last updated 2026-11-02