Catholic Prayer for Healing
In the Catholic tradition, prayers for healing draw on the intercession of the saints, the comfort of the sacraments, and the mercy of God. A Catholic prayer for healing asks the Lord—often through Our Lady or a patron saint—to restore health to body, mind, and soul. These prayers are for yourself or a loved one who is sick, and they fit naturally with the Anointing of the Sick and the prayers of the Church.
Pray them at a bedside, before Mass, or while offering a rosary for someone's recovery. Catholic healing prayer holds together trust in God's power and surrender to His will. Pray the words below, and entrust the sick person to the loving care of God and the prayers of the saints.
A Catholic Prayer for Healing
Lord Jesus, Divine Physician, look with mercy on my loved one who is sick. Lay Your healing hand upon them, ease their suffering, and restore them to health if it be Your will. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Amen.
A Prayer to Our Lady for the Sick
Blessed Mother, Health of the Sick, I bring my loved one to you. Intercede for them before your Son, that they may receive healing, comfort, and peace. Wrap them in your mantle of care. Amen.
A Prayer for Healing of Body and Soul
Heavenly Father, heal what is wounded in body and in spirit. Forgive what needs forgiving, mend what is broken, and fill this soul with Your grace and peace. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
A Short Prayer for the Sick
Lord, have mercy on the sick and grant them healing. Amen.
A Long Prayer to the Divine Physician
Lord Jesus Christ, Divine Physician of body and soul, I kneel before You in my need. During Your time on earth You went about healing the sick and showing the Father's mercy. The crowds pressed in to touch even the hem of Your garment, and they were made well. I come with that same trust, reaching out to You who never turn away the suffering. Look upon my loved one in their illness and lay Your healing hand upon them. Cast out all that afflicts the body, and bring peace to the troubled mind. By the wounds You bore on the cross, may they find comfort in their own suffering. United to Your passion, let their pain not be wasted but offered up with Yours. I ask the prayers of Your Blessed Mother Mary, who interceded at Cana and intercedes still. May the saints and angels surround this dear soul with Your protection. Bless the doctors, nurses, and all who care for them as instruments of Your mercy. Strengthen my own faith, that I may trust You whether You heal swiftly or slowly. Grant healing according to Your holy will, and grant grace for whatever You allow. I place this prayer in Your Sacred Heart, O Lord, our hope and our salvation. Amen.
By His Wounds
Lord Jesus, by Your wounds we are healed. Have mercy on the sick, and grant them Your peace. Amen.
Scripture to pray
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.— James 5:14–15
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.— Psalm 147:3
Frequently asked questions
What is a Catholic prayer for healing?
A Catholic prayer for healing asks Jesus, the Divine Physician, for restoration, often through the intercession of Mary or a patron saint: 'Lord Jesus, lay Your healing hand upon them… Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for them. Amen.' It is offered in trust and surrender to God's will.
Who is the patron saint of healing?
Several saints are invoked for healing—St. Raphael the Archangel, St. Peregrine (patron of cancer patients), and St. Luke (patron of physicians) among them. Our Lady is honored under the title 'Health of the Sick.' Catholics often ask their intercession alongside prayer to God.
What is the Catholic sacrament for the sick?
The Anointing of the Sick is the Catholic sacrament for those who are seriously ill, drawn from James 5:14–15. A priest anoints the sick person with oil and prays for healing of body and soul; it brings grace, comfort, and the peace of the Church.