Raphael’s name translates to “God has healed.” The only place this archangel is referenced in the Hebrew scriptures is in the Septuagint’s Book of Tobit, where he is identified as Tobias’ traveling companion.
Raphael, posing as “Azarias, the son of the famous Ananias,” acts as a guide and a buddy. The only three “archangels” referenced in the canonical scriptures are Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael, out of the seven “archangels” that are shown in post-Exilic Judaism’s angelology. Raphael, the protector of health, physicians, and travel, is a figure worth getting to know.
One of the seven Archangels that stand before God’s throne is St. Raphael. He is revered as a healer. In actuality, Raphael’s name signifies “God’s Healing.” St. Raphael assists in providing deliverance, charity, and physical and spiritual healing. He is strong and can treat any illnesses in both people and animals.
The Book of Tobias is where we learn the majority of what we know about the Archangel Raphael. St. Raphael is invoked for journeys and at any crucial time in life because of his mission as a great healer and the companion, guide, and counselor of young Tobias. Raphael, according to tradition, is the angel who swirled the water at Bethesda’s healing sheep pool.
Tobias is credited with helping Tobit (Tobias’ father) restore his eyesight by using fish to manufacture balms and ointments with the aid of Saint Raphael, the healer. Abraham, who had put off getting circumcised until his latter years, was relieved of the discomfort by the archangel Raphael. Jacob’s dislocated thigh from his struggle with the angel was also healed by him.
Saint Raphael is also known as the Knowledge and Science Angel. He is frequently called “Regent” or “Angel of the Sun.” St. Raphael is regarded as the most gregarious of the archangels because of his cheery demeanor and his sanguine and amiable treatment of Tobias; it is thought that he has the best sense of humor and the happiest disposition. Raphael is reported to take great pleasure in spreading happiness and health wherever he visits.
Prayers for the Intercession of St. Raphael
Saint Raphael Prayer
Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel, We beseech thee to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as thou, through the power of God, didst restore sight and give guidance to young Tobit. We humbly seek thine aid and intercession, that our souls may be healed, our bodies protected from all ills, and that through divine grace we may be made fit to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven.
Amen.
St. Raphael Prayer for Healing
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the “medicine of God” I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (here mention your special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Short Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
St. Raphael, the Archangel, arrow and medicine of Divine Love, wound our hearts, we implore you, with the burning love of God, and let this wound never heal, so that even in daily life we might always remain upon the path of love and overcome all things through love. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Raphael Before a Trip
Dear St. Raphael, your lovely name means “God heals.” The Lord sent you to young Tobias to guide him throughout a long journey. Upon his return, you taught him how to cure his father’s blindness. How natural, therefore, for Christians to pray for your powerful help for safe travel and a happy return. This is what we ask for ourselves as well as for all who are far from home.
Amen.
Prayer for Protection From All Evil
Most Holy Mother, Queen of the Angels and Archangels, send me your Champion, the Archangel Saint Raphael, let him heal me of all my spiritual and physical ailments in JESUS’ HOLY NAME. May he protect me from satan and all the evil spirits. Saint Raphael be my guide and protector on my journey through life. O’ glorious Saint Raphael the Archangel, herald of blessings, pray for us!
Amen.
Consecration Prayer to St. Raphael
Holy Archangel Raphael, standing so close to the throne of God and offering Him our prayers, I venerate you as God’s special Friend and Messenger. I choose you as my Patron and wish to love and obey you as young Tobias did. I consecrate to you my body and soul, all my work, and my whole life. I want you to be my Guide and Counsellor in all the dangerous and difficult problems and decisions of my life. Remember, dearest Saint Raphael, that the grace of God preserved you with the good angels in heaven when the proud ones were cast into hell. I entreat you, therefore, to help me in my struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Defend me from all dangers and every occasion of sin. Direct me always in the way of peace, safety, and salvation. Offer my prayers to God as you offered those of Tobias, so that through your intercession I may obtain the graces necessary for the salvation of my soul. Remember me and always entreat for me before the Face of the Son of God. Help me to love and serve my God faithfully, to die in His grace, and finally to merit to join you in seeing and praising God forever in heaven. Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael for Protection
“Most generous Archangel Raphael, guide of the traveler, who, by divine grace was given the power to heal and bring miracles, we beg you to guide us in the pilgrimage of life, to heal and to protect our bodies and souls from illnesses. Amen.
Novena to St. Raphael the Archangel
(Pray for 9 days or 9 hours straight)
one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be…
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.
one Glory Be…
We beg you, assist ______________ in all his/her needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the medicine of God,” we humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of his/her soul and the ills that afflict his/her body.
one Glory Be…
We especially ask of you the favor, the intercession of conversion of heart and the great grace of purity, to prepare ________, to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
one Glory Be…
St. Raphael, of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, Angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease. And guide our steps when doubtful of our ways.
May God hear and answer our prayer according to His holy will and for His greater glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN.
