St Raphael Prayer Novena
(For Healing)
St Raphael Prayer Novena (For Healing)
St Raphael prayer is often said for healing as the Archangel is the patron saint of healing.
In Hebrew, his name literally means “God heals.” We can find Raphael in the Old Testament Book of Tobit, where he is revealed as a healer of mind, body and spirit. We can invoke his powerful intercession in our own daily lives.
Ancient Tradition also goes that Raphael’s job, after Michael had cast the fallen angels out of Heaven, was to heal, clean, and restore the earth from the battle.
St Raphael is the patron of travelers, physicians, and young people, especially to help them in their vocation. He is called the angel of love and joy.
In this guide, you can learn about the story of St Raphael and how the St Raphael prayer and novena are prayed around the world by believers who desire to receive good things through his intercession.
Story Of St Raphael
St Raphael first appeared in Holy Scripture in the Book of Tobias. Raphael’s name means “God has healed” and his mission as an archangel is identified as one of healing.
He is named to be a traveling companion for Tobit’s son, Tobiah.
In the Old Testament in the Book of Tobit, Raphael called himself “Azarias” when he disguises himself as a human. He became the traveling companion of the younger Tobias on his journey to Rages.
Tobias was going to this city in the country of the Medes to collect a debt owed to his father. Raphael guided Tobiah safely through the desert, and they arrive just in time to meet a woman named Sara. Because of a demon afflicting her, she has been married many times, but every wedding night, her new husband is killed right before they are able to consummate the marriage.
Sara is contemplating suicide when the two arrive, and Raphael is able to cast out the demon and allow Tobiah and Sara to be safely married.
Raphael kept Tobias from all danger and brought him back safely to his father’s house.
Aside finding a very good wife for the young man, Raphael cured Tobit’s blindness with the gall taken from the fish Tobias had killed. Only then did he reveal his true identity as an archangel.
“I am the Archangel Raphael, one of the seven spirits who stand before the throne of God.”
When they all wondered why God had sent them an angel, Raphael replied: “Because you have always worshiped God, buried the dead, were kind to the poor, bore your troubles bravely, God sent me to you. Praise the Lord of heaven who has shown you His mercy!”
St Raphael Prayer
The word Raphael in Hebrew can be rendered as “God heals,” “Divine Healer,” or “Remedy of God.” His angelic mission on earth is to heal, which is very important for those suffering in any way.
Traditionally, he had a separate feast celebrated on October 24, though recently his feast was combined with those of the other two archangels on September 29.
Below are prayers to St Raphael for any intention you may have, especially for anyone you know who may be hurting right now.
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
(MENTION YOUR SPECIAL INTENTION),
and the great grace of purity
to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
For Protection During Travel
Saint Raphael, the archangel,
you were the faithful companion to young Tobiah
on his journey from Syria to Media, rescuing him
from many dangers, even the danger of death in the river.
Be a safe guide and an angel of consolation
to those we love traveling to foreign lands.
Keep far from them all dangers of body and soul,
and lead them safely to their destination.
Lord God, grant us the help of Saint Raphael,
who enters and serves
before your glory and offers you our petitions.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Short Prayer to St Raphael for Protection
Most generous Archangel Raphael,
guide of the traveller,
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.
A Prayer for Healing from Injury
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
and consoler of the afflicted.
In my injury I beg you,
assist me in all my needs
and be with me in my journey of recovery.
Because you are the “medicine of God”
I humbly pray that in His name
you heal the ills that afflict my body.
I especially ask of you
the favor of healing (insert injury here),
and the blessing of a quick return to my team.
Grant that I may grow spiritually
as well as physically as I heal,
That I may know the grace of God
and see this injury as a blessing in disguise.
I beg your intercession to the Lord,
our God, from whom all good things come.
Amen.
St Raphael Novena
St Raphael is a tremendous saint to remember when a dose of hope or healing is needed.
Perhaps you would like to set aside nine days to spend with this great archangel by prayerfully reading one passage below a day.
Be sure to share any intentions you might have with St Raphael, that he may pray for your needs.
His feast day is September 29, and St Raphael is the patron of young people, peacefulness and healing.
Day 1: Tobit 2 : 9-10
9: That same night I washed myself and went into my courtyard and lay down by the wall of the courtyard; my face was uncovered because of the heat.
10: I did not know that there were sparrows on the wall; their fresh droppings fell into my eyes and produced white films. I went to physicians to be healed, but the more they treated me with ointments, the more my vision was obscured by the white films, until I became completely blind. For four years I remained unable to see. All my kindred were sorry for me, and Ahikar took care of me for two years before he went to Elymais.
Day 2: Tobit 3 : 7-11 , 16-17
Sarah Falsely Accused
7: On the same day, at Ecbatana in Media, it also happened that Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, was reproached by one of her father’s female slaves.
8: For she had been married to seven husbands, and the wicked demon Asmodeus had killed each of them before they had been with her as is customary for wives. So the female slave said to her, “You are the one who kills your husbands! See, you have already been married to seven husbands and have not borne the name of a single one of them.
9: Why do you beat us? Because your husbands are dead? Go with them! May we never see a son or daughter of yours!”
Sarah’s Prayer for Death
10: Overcome with emotion at that time, she wept and went up to her father’s upper room, intending to hang herself. But she thought it over and said, “Let no one ever reproach my father, saying to him, ‘You had only one beloved daughter, and she hanged herself out of distress!’ I would bring my father in his old age down in sorrow to Hades. It is better for me not to hang myself but to beg the Lord that I may die, so that I will not have to listen to these reproaches for the rest of my life.”
11: At that same time, with hands outstretched toward the window, she prayed and said,
“Blessed are you, merciful God!
Blessed is your name forever;
let all your works bless you forever.”
An Answer to Prayer
16: At that very moment, the prayers of both of them were heard in the glorious presence of God.
17: So Raphael was sent to heal both of them: Tobit by removing the white films from his eyes, so that he might see God’s light with his eyes, and Sarah, daughter of Raguel, by giving her in marriage to Tobias son of Tobit, and by setting her free from the wicked demon Asmodeus. For Tobias was entitled to have her before all others who had desired to marry her. At the same time that Tobit returned from the courtyard into his house, Sarah daughter of Raguel came down from her upper room.
Day 3: Tobit 4 : 1-4
Tobit Gives Instructions to His Son
1: That same day Tobit remembered the money that he had left in trust with Gabael at Rages in Media,
2: and he said to himself, “Now that I have asked for death, why do I not call my son Tobias and explain to him about this money before I die?”
3: Then he called his son Tobias, and when he came to him he said, “Give me a proper burial. Honor your mother and do not abandon her all the days of her life. Do whatever pleases her, and do nothing that makes her unhappy.
4: Remember her, my son, because she faced many dangers for you while you were in her womb. And when she dies, bury her beside me in the same grave.
Day 4: Tobit 5 : 1-13
The Angel Raphael
1: Then Tobias answered his father Tobit, “I will do everything that you have commanded me, father,
2: but how can I obtain the money from him, since he does not know me and I do not know him? What evidence am I to give him so that he will recognize and trust me and give me the money? Also, I do not know the roads to Media or how to get there.”
3: Then Tobit answered his son Tobias, “He gave me his bond, and I gave him my bond. I divided his in two; we each took one part, and I put one with the money. And now twenty years have passed since I left this money in trust. So now, my son, find yourself a trustworthy man to go with you, and we will pay him wages until you return. But get back the money from Gabael.”
4: So Tobias went out to look for a man to go with him to Media, someone who was acquainted with the way. He went out and found the angel Raphael standing in front of him, but he did not perceive that he was an angel of God.
5: Tobias said to him, “Where do you come from, young man?” “From the Israelites, your kindred,” he replied, “and I have come here to work.” Then Tobias said to him, “Do you know the way to go to Media?”
6: “Yes,” he replied, “I have been there many times; I am acquainted with it and know all the roads. I have often traveled to Media and would stay with our kinsman Gabael who lives in Rages of Media. It is a journey of two days from Ecbatana to Rages, for it lies in a mountainous area, while Ecbatana is in the middle of the plain.”
7: Then Tobias said to him, “Wait for me, young man, until I go in and tell my father, for I do need you to travel with me, and I will pay you your wages.”
8: He replied, “All right, I will wait, but do not take too long.”
9: So Tobias went in to tell his father Tobit and said to him, “I have just found a man who is one of our own Israelite kindred!” He replied, “Call the man in so that I may learn about his people and to what tribe he belongs and whether he is trustworthy enough to go with you, my son.”
10: Then Tobias went out and called him and said, “Young man, my father is calling for you.” So he went in to him, and Tobit greeted him first. He replied, “Many greetings to you!” But Tobit retorted, “What is left for me to greet any more? I am a man without eyesight; I cannot see the light of heaven, but I lie in darkness like the dead who no longer see the light. Although still alive, I am among the dead. I hear people’s voices, but I cannot see them.” But the young man said, “Take courage; the time is near for God to heal you; take courage.” Then Tobit said to him, “My son Tobias wishes to go to Media. Can you accompany him and guide him? I will pay your wages, brother.” He answered, “I can go with him, and I know all the roads. I have often gone to Media, have crossed all its plains, and am familiar with its mountains and all of its roads.”
11: Then Tobit said to him, “Brother, of what family are you and from what tribe? Tell me, brother.”
12: He replied, “Why do you need to know my tribe and lineage? Are you seeking an employee or a tribe and lineage?” But Tobit said, “I want to be sure, brother, whose son you are and what your name is.”
13: He replied, “I am Azariah, the son of the elder Hananiah, one of your relatives.”
Day 5: Tobit 6 : 2-18
2: and the dog came out with him and went along with them. So they both journeyed along, and when the first night overtook them they camped by the Tigris River.
3: Then the young man went down to wash his feet in the Tigris River, and a large fish leaped up from the water and tried to swallow the young man’s foot, and he cried out.
4: But the angel said to the young man, “Catch hold of the fish and hang on to it!” So the young man grasped the fish and drew it up on the land.
5: Then the angel said to him, “Cut open the fish and take out its gall, heart, and liver. Keep them with you, but throw away the intestines. For its gall, heart, and liver are useful as medicine.”
6: So after cutting open the fish the young man gathered together the gall, heart, and liver; then he roasted and ate some of the fish and kept some to be salted for the journey. The two continued on their way together until they were near Media.
7: Then the young man questioned the angel and said to him, “Azariah, my brother, what medicinal value is there in the fish’s heart and liver and in the gall?”
8: He replied, “As for the fish’s heart and liver, you must burn them to make a smoke in the presence of a man or woman afflicted by a demon or evil spirit, and every affliction will flee away and never remain with that person any longer.
9: And as for the gall, anoint a person’s eyes where white films have appeared on them; blow upon them, upon the white films, and the eyes will be healed.”
Raphael’s Instructions
10: When they entered Media and were already approaching Ecbatana,
11: Raphael said to the young man, “Tobias, my brother.” “Here I am,” he answered. Then Raphael said to him, “We must stay this night in the home of Raguel. That man is your relative, and he has a daughter named Sarah.
12: He has no male heir and no daughter except Sarah only, and you, as next of kin to her, have before all other men a hereditary claim on her. Also, it is right for you to inherit her father’s possessions. Moreover, the young woman is intelligent, brave, and very beautiful, and her father is a good man.”
13: He continued, “You have every right to take her in marriage. So listen to me, brother; tonight I will speak to her father about the young woman, so that we may take her to be your bride. When we return from Rages we will celebrate her marriage. For I know that Raguel can by no means keep her from you or promise her to another man without incurring the penalty of death according to the decree of the book of Moses. Indeed, he knows that you, rather than any other man, are entitled to marry his daughter. So now listen to me, brother, and tonight we shall speak concerning the young woman and arrange her engagement to you. And when we return from Rages, we will take her and bring her back with us to your house.”
14: Then Tobias said in answer to Raphael, “Azariah, my brother, I have heard that she already has been married to seven husbands and that they died in the bridal chamber. On the night when they went in to her, they would die. And I have heard some say that a demon kills them.
15: It does not harm her, but it kills anyone who desires to approach her. So now, since I am the only son my father has, I am afraid that I may die and bring my father’s and mother’s lives down to their graves, grieving for me—and they have no other son to bury them.”
16: But Raphael said to him, “Do you not remember your father’s orders when he commanded you to take a wife from your father’s house? Now listen to me, brother, and say no more about this demon. Take her. I know that this very night she will be given to you in marriage.
17: When you enter the bridal chamber, take some of the fish’s liver and heart and put them on the embers of the incense. An odor will be given off;
18: the demon will smell it and flee and will never be seen near her any more. Now when you are about to go to bed with her, both of you must first stand up and pray, imploring the Lord of heaven that mercy and safety may be granted to you. Do not be afraid, for she has always been set apart for you. You will save her, and she will go with you. I know that you will have children by her, and they will be as brothers and sisters to you. Now say no more!” When Tobias heard the words of Raphael and learned that she was his sister, related through his father’s lineage, he loved her very much, and his heart was drawn to her.
Day 6: Tobit 7 : 1-11
Arrival at Home of Raguel
1: Now when they entered Ecbatana, Tobias said to him, “Azariah, my brother, take me straight to our brother Raguel.” So he took him to Raguel’s house, where they found him sitting beside the courtyard door. They greeted him first, and he replied, “Many greetings, my brothers; welcome and good health!” Then he brought them into his house.
2: He said to his wife Edna, “How much this young man resembles my kinsman Tobit!”
3: Then Edna questioned them, saying, “Where are you from, my brothers?” They answered her, “We belong to the descendants of Naphtali who are exiles in Nineveh.”
4: She said to them, “Do you know our kinsman Tobit?” And they replied, “Yes, we know him.” Then she asked them, “Is he in good health?”
5: They replied, “He is alive and in good health.” And Tobias added, “He is my father!”
6: At that Raguel jumped up and kissed him and wept.
7: He also spoke to him as follows, “Blessings on you, my son, offspring of a good and noble father! O most miserable of calamities that such an upright and beneficent man has become blind!” He then embraced his kinsman Tobias and wept.
8: His wife Edna also wept for him, and their daughter Sarah likewise wept.
9: Then Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and received them very warmly.
Marriage of Tobias and Sarah
When they had bathed and washed themselves and had reclined to dine, Tobias said to Raphael, “Azariah, my brother, ask Raguel to give me my sister Sarah.”
10: But Raguel overheard it and said to the young man, “Eat and drink, and be merry tonight. For no one except you, brother, has the right to marry my daughter Sarah. Likewise I am not at liberty to give her to any other man than you because you are my nearest relative. But let me explain to you the true situation more fully, my son.
11: I have given her to seven men of our kinsmen, and all died on the night when they went in to her. But now, my son, eat and drink, and the Lord will act on behalf of you both.” But Tobias said, “I will neither eat nor drink anything until you settle the things that pertain to me.” So Raguel said, “I will do so. She is given to you in accordance with the decree in the book of Moses, and it has been decreed from heaven that she be given to you. Take your sister; from now on you are her brother, and she is your sister. She is given to you from today and forever. May the Lord of heaven, my son, guide and prosper you both this night and grant you mercy and peace.”
Day 7: Tobit 8 : 1-18
Tobias Routs the Demon
1: When they had finished eating and drinking, they wanted to retire, so they took the young man and brought him into the bedroom.
2: Then Tobias remembered the words of Raphael, and he took the fish’s liver and heart out of the bag where he had them and put them on the embers of the incense.
3: The odor of the fish so repelled the demon that he fled to the remotest parts of Egypt. But Raphael followed him and at once bound him there hand and foot.
4: When the parents had gone out and shut the door of the room, Tobias got out of bed and said to Sarah, “Sister, get up, and let us pray and implore our Lord that he grant us mercy and safety.”
5: So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias began by saying,
“Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors,
and blessed is your name in all generations forever.
Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you forever.
6: You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve
as a helper and support.
From the two of them the human race has sprung.
You said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone;
let us make a helper for him like himself.’
7: I now am taking this sister of mine,
not for sexual gratification,
but with sincerity.
Grant that she and I may find mercy
and that we may grow old together.”
8: And they both together said, “Amen, Amen.”
9: Then they went to sleep for the night.
But Raguel arose and called his servants to him, and they went and dug a grave,
10: for he said, “It is possible that he will die, and we will become an object of ridicule and derision.”
11: When they had finished digging the grave, Raguel went into his house and called his wife,
12: saying, “Send one of the female slaves and have her go in to see if he is alive. But if he is dead, let us bury him without anyone knowing it.”
13: So they sent the female slave, lit a lamp, and opened the door; and she went in and found them lying in bed asleep together.
14: Then the female slave came out and informed them that he was alive and that nothing was wrong.
15: So they blessed the God of heaven, and Raguel said,
“Blessed are you, O God, with every pure blessing;
let all your chosen ones bless you.
Let them bless you forever.
16: Blessed are you because you have made me glad.
It has not turned out as I expected,
but you have dealt with us according to your great mercy.
17: Blessed are you because you had compassion
on two only children.
Be merciful to them, O Master, and keep them safe;
bring their lives to fulfillment
in happiness and mercy.”
18: Then he ordered his servants to fill in the grave before daybreak.
Day 8: Tobit 9 : 1-3
The Money Recovered
1: Then Tobias called Raphael and said to him,
2: “Azariah, my brother, take four servants and two camels with you and travel to Rages. Go to the home of Gabael, give him the bond, get the money, and then bring him with you to the wedding celebration.
3: You are witness to the oath Raguel has sworn, and I cannot violate his oath.”
Day 9: Tobit 12 : 1-15
Raphael’s Wages
1: When the wedding celebration was ended, Tobit called his son Tobias and said to him, “My son, see to paying the wages of the man who went with you, and give him a bonus as well.”
2: He replied, “Father, how much shall I pay him? It would do me no harm to give him half of the possessions brought back with me.
3: For he has led me back safely, cured my wife, brought the money back with me, and healed you. How much extra shall I give him as a bonus?”
4: Tobit replied, “He deserves, my son, to receive half of all that he brought back.”
5: So Tobias called him and said, “Take for your wages half of all that you brought back, and farewell.”
Raphael’s Exhortation
6: Then Raphael called the two of them privately and said to them, “Bless God and acknowledge him in the presence of all the living for the good things he has done for you. Bless and sing praise to his name. With fitting honor declare to all people the deeds[c] of God. Do not be slow to acknowledge him.
7: It is good to conceal the secret of a king and to acknowledge and reveal the works of God with proper honor. Do good, and evil will not overtake you.
8: Prayer with fidelity is good, and almsgiving with righteousness is better than wealth with injustice. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold,
9: for almsgiving saves from death and purges away every sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life, 10 but those who commit sin and do wrong are their own enemies.
Raphael Discloses His Identity
11: “I will now declare the whole truth to you and will conceal nothing from you. Already I have declared it to you when I said, ‘It is good to conceal the secret of a king but to reveal with due honor the works of God.’
12: So now when you and Sarah prayed, it was I who brought the record of your prayers before the glory of the Lord, and likewise whenever you would bury the dead.
13: And that time when you did not hesitate to get up and leave your dinner to go and lay out that corpse,
14: I was sent to you to test you. And at the same time God sent me to heal you and Sarah your daughter-in-law.
15: I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord.”
St Raphael Prayer Novena (For Healing) Summary
St Raphael is known as the patron saint of medical workers and matchmakers. He is one of seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord and is often given credit for seeing the light of heaven and for receiving blessings through his intercession.
In light of recent events, all of us can pray for the healing of our country, and all those suffering in mind, body or spirit through a St Raphael prayer or a St Raphael novena for his intercession. Let St Raphael be the healing light and appeal to God on our behalf.
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