St Raphael the Archangel
St. Raphael the Archangel is one of three archangels named in Catholic Scripture, appearing in the Book of Tobit where he guides a traveler and brings healing. At Find A Prayer, we gather these petitions so you have dependable words when asking God for help during journeys, sickness, or medical work. The Hebrew name Raphael translates as God heals.
Catholics ask this holy archangel for his prayers before taking the road or facing physical distress. His intercession directs our requests to God. The biblical account of Raphael unfolds in the Old Testament Book of Tobit.
While this sacred book is preserved in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, it is not found in most Protestant Bibles. In the narrative, Raphael walks alongside Tobit's son Tobias on a long journey, appearing as a human companion along the way. Raphael later shows Tobias how the blindness of his father Tobit can be healed.
When his task is complete, the angel reveals his true heavenly identity and instructs the family to give thanks to God. Catholics also ask St. Raphael to pray for the sick and for those who care for them. The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Sts.
Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, on September 29. We ask angels to pray for us the way we ask a trusted friend to pray for us, and the prayer is directed to God through them. We ask God for comfort and steady endurance in times of weakness.
Whether you are preparing for travel, sitting in a hospital room, or supporting a family member on the road, you can turn to St. Raphael in prayer. Offer one of these petitions quietly in your home, at the bedside of an ailing loved one, or before beginning your next journey.
A Short St. Raphael the Archangel Prayer
Heavenly Father, You send Your holy archangels to watch over Your people and guide our steps. We ask St. Raphael the Archangel to bring our intentions before Your throne today. Just as he walked with Tobias on the road and brought relief to Tobit, may his intercession strengthen us in body and soul. Keep our feet upon safe paths, console us in times of affliction, and lead us always closer to Your divine Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
St. Raphael Prayer for Travel
Lord God of heaven and earth, You guided the journey of Tobias through the companionship of the archangel Raphael. We ask St. Raphael to pray for those of us who set forth on travel today. Watch over our paths across highways, railways, and skies. Protect us from sudden perils, delay, and harm, and grant us calm minds as we move through unfamiliar surroundings. We ask that Your holy angels keep charge over us, and that we may come to our destination and home again in peace. Amen.
Raphael Prayer for Healing and Comfort
Merciful Father, Your name brings hope to the weary, and Your compassion upholds us in physical distress. We lift our voices in prayer for those who are bearing illness, weakness, or bodily pain. We ask St. Raphael, whose name means 'God heals,' to join his heavenly prayers with ours. We do not ask with presumption or demand an earthly cure, but we pray for relief from suffering, patience in trial, and peace of heart. Pour Your comforting grace upon our bodies and minds, and grant us the fortitude to trust Your holy will each day. Amen.
A Prayer to St. Raphael for Doctors and Nurses
Almighty God, You are the giver of life and the source of all genuine healing. We ask the intercession of St. Raphael the Archangel, traditional patron of healers, for our physicians, nurses, caregivers, and medical staff. Guide their hands with skill and their minds with discernment as they attend to the sick. Give them patience when hours are long, tenderness when hearts are heavy, and physical stamina when duties overwhelm them. Bless their daily labor, sustain them through fatigue, and let their care bring comfort and dignity to every patient they serve. Amen.
A Prayer to St. Raphael for a Family Member on a Journey
Loving Father, You hold every family in Your tender care, even across great distances. We place our loved ones who are currently traveling into Your hands, asking St. Raphael the Archangel to intercede for their safe transit. Accompany them along every mile of their path, as Raphael accompanied young Tobias along his journey. Shield them from unforeseen dangers, guide their steps through crowded stations and unfamiliar roads, and grant them restful lodging. Bring them back safely to our embrace, so that we may together give thanks to You, the author of all peace. Amen.
A Full Catholic Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
O Holy Archangel Raphael, guide of travelers and patron of the sick, we present our petitions before Almighty God in communion with your prayers. In the Book of Tobit, God appointed you to accompany Tobias on his journey as a human companion. You guided him along the way and showed how the blindness of his father Tobit could be healed. When your work was completed, you revealed your heavenly identity and told the family to give thanks to God. We ask you to present our needs before the Lord today. Pray for all travelers who journey across unfamiliar paths, that God may protect them and bring them safely to their destinations. Pray for our brothers and sisters who face sickness or bodily pain, asking the Lord to grant them comfort, patience, and relief from suffering. Support our doctors, nurses, and caregivers with discernment as they tend to the afflicted. Help us trust God in every trial, and guide our steps until we reach our eternal home in heaven. Amen.
A One-Line Archangel Raphael Prayer
St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us on our journeys and bring our petitions for comfort and healing before God. Amen.
Scripture to pray
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.— Psalm 91:11 (KJV)
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?— Hebrews 1:14 (KJV)
For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD— Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV)
Frequently asked questions
Who is St. Raphael the Archangel?
St. Raphael the Archangel is one of three archangels named in Catholic Scripture, alongside St. Michael and St. Gabriel. He appears in the Old Testament Book of Tobit, where he serves as a human companion to Tobias during a long journey. Raphael shows Tobias how to heal his father Tobit of blindness. The angel then reveals his heavenly identity and tells the family to praise God.
What is St. Raphael the patron of?
St. Raphael is traditionally invoked as the patron of travelers, the sick, and those who heal. Catholics ask for his prayers before a journey, remembering how he accompanied Tobias. People facing bodily ailments ask for his intercession before God to receive comfort and strength.
Is St. Raphael in the Bible?
Yes, St. Raphael appears by name in the Book of Tobit in the Catholic and Orthodox Old Testament. Most Protestant Bibles omit Tobit. Within Catholic Scripture, Raphael is one of only three archangels mentioned by name, along with Michael and Gabriel. His biblical role shows how God sends angels to guide travelers and care for those who suffer.
When is the feast of St. Raphael?
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Raphael on September 29. On this day, the Church honors Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael together as archangels.
What does the name Raphael mean?
The name Raphael is traditionally understood to mean 'God heals' in Hebrew. This title reflects his actions in the Book of Tobit, where he provides instructions that cure the blindness of elder Tobit. Because of this meaning, Catholics ask for St. Raphael's prayers for the sick.
How do Catholics pray to angels?
Catholics ask angels to pray for them in the same way they ask a friend on earth for prayer. The prayer is directed to God through the angel's intercession. Scripture describes angels as ministering spirits who serve God's people. Asking St. Raphael for his prayers reflects our communion with God's heavenly messengers.
Can I pray to St. Raphael for a sick loved one?
Yes, you can ask St. Raphael to intercede before God on behalf of a sick friend or family member. Catholics invoke his prayers for comfort, strength, and physical relief during seasons of illness. However, prayer is never a replacement for proper medical treatment, and Catholics do not treat intercession as a guarantee of a physical cure. You can bring your intentions to God through St. Raphael while following the guidance of medical professionals.