Novena to Archangel Raphael

Definition

A novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer to obtain special graces, to implore special favors, or to make special petitions. The Novena to Archangel Raphael invokes his intercession as the “Medicine of God” for healing, guidance, and finding a spouse, rooted in his role in the Book of Tobit.

Full Prayers (One Per Day for Nine Days)

Day 1 Prayer: Glorious Archangel Saint 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 request here) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 2 Prayer: O Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, you are renowned for your wisdom and grace. Guide those who travel, comfort the sorrowful, and protect sinners. As you led Tobias safely, lead me through life’s trials. Heal my soul and body, and grant me the favor I seek (mention your request). Help me grow in purity to be a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 3 Prayer: 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 and gave guidance to young Tobit. 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.
Day 4 Prayer: 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. Guide me in all the dangerous and difficult problems of my life. Amen.
Day 5 Prayer: O Raphael, lead us toward those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand toward those we are looking for. May all our movements be guided by your Light and transfigured by your Joy. Heal my heart and body, and grant my petition (mention your request). Amen.
Day 6 Prayer: Saint 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. I ask for (mention your request) and purity of heart. Amen.
Day 7 Prayer: O God, who in Thy ineffable goodness has rendered blessed Raphael the conductor for Your faithful in their journeys, we humbly implore You that we may be conducted by him in the way of salvation, and experience his help in the maladies of our souls, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Day 8 Prayer: Saint Raphael, who compelled the devils to flee, have mercy on us. You who offer our prayers before the throne of God, curer of blindness, helper in tribulations, consoler in necessities, pray for us. Grant healing for my body and soul, and answer my request (mention your request). Amen.
Day 9 Prayer: O God, you sent the blessed Archangel Raphael to accompany your servant Tobias on his journey. Grant that we, your servants, may also be guarded by him always and strengthened by his assistance. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Real Life Stories and Bible Stories (7 Total)

Bible Story: Raphael Guides Tobias (Book of Tobit): In the Book of Tobit, Archangel Raphael, disguised as Azarias, accompanies Tobias on a journey to retrieve money and find a wife. Raphael guides Tobias to marry Sarah, frees her from a demon, and helps heal Tobit’s blindness with fish gall, fulfilling his role as “God’s medicine.”
Real Life Story: Healing from Dermatitis: A woman prayed the St. Raphael Novena for severe dermatitis that caused rashes for four months. By December 2024, after invoking Raphael, Saint Rita, Blessed Carlo Acutis, and the Virgin Mary, her rashes disappeared, leaving only minor itching. She credits Raphael’s intercession for guiding her to the right physicians.
Real Life Story: Daughter’s Improved Sleep: A mother prayed the Novena to St. Raphael for her daughter, who struggled with insomnia and emotional distress. Before completing the novena, the daughter became calmer and started sleeping earlier, a change the mother attributes to Raphael’s intercession.
Bible Story: Raphael and the Healing Pool (Tradition): Tradition holds that Raphael is the angel who stirred the waters at the healing pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-4), enabling the sick to be healed when they entered the water, reflecting his role as a healer.
Real Life Story: Health Improvement Confirmed: A person prayed to Raphael for health concerns and asked for a sign. They received three signs of Raphael’s presence and soon got good news about their health, thanking God and Raphael for the outcome.
Real Life Story: Immediate Peace in Prayer: A person prayed to Raphael in church and instantly felt his presence and peace, trusting that their prayers for healing would be answered through his intercession.
Bible Story: Raphael Heals Abraham (Tradition): According to tradition, Raphael healed Abraham of the pain from his late-life circumcision, demonstrating his role as a healer of physical ailments.

Comments by People (7)

“I prayed for Raphael to help me and asked for a sign he heard my prayer. He answered me three ways, and I then got good news on my health. Thank God for Raphael!”
“I just now prayed to the Archangel Raphael and immediately felt his presence and peace in church with me. I trust fully that he will answer my prayers. Amen.”
“Prayers needed for spiritual battle, but I love this prayer because I feel change in life. Love you, Saint Raphael, for your works in life.”
“Thank you, St. Raphael, for healing me both internally and externally. Amen.”
“I am learning a lot from these Novenas. The help Angel Raphael rendered to Tobit, healing his blindness and answering Sarah’s prayers, is inspiring.”
“I included healing in my novena, and thanks to Raphael, my dermatitis is almost gone. I’m so grateful for his guidance to the right doctors!”
“Praying for my daughter’s sleep issues with Raphael’s novena changed everything. She’s calmer and sleeps better now!”

Bible Verses (10)

Tobit 3:17: “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, by giving her to Tobias as his wife and setting her free from the wicked demon Asmodeus.”
Tobit 12:15: “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord.”
John 5:4: “For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred the water; whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.” (Associated with Raphael in tradition.)
Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Isaiah 53:5: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.”
James 5:14-15: “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man.”
Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord.”
Exodus 15:26: “For I am the Lord, your healer.”
Matthew 9:35: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.”
Revelation 22:2: “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

Devotional: Journeying with St. Raphael, the Healer
St. Raphael, whose name means “God has healed,” is a beacon of hope for those seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. His journey with Tobias in the Book of Tobit teaches us that God sends His angels to guide us through life’s trials. Each day of the novena, reflect on a specific aspect of Raphael’s ministry: guidance (Day 1), healing (Day 2), protection (Day 3), companionship (Day 4), joy in meetings (Day 5), purity (Day 6), intercession (Day 7), deliverance (Day 8), and eternal glory (Day 9). Light a candle, read Tobit 12:6-15, and pray for Raphael’s intercession. Journal how God’s healing manifests in your life, trusting Raphael to lead you to “happy meetings” with God’s grace. End each day with gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Raphael, for presenting my prayers to God.”

Stories of Random Catholic Saints (3)

St. Rita of Cascia (Patroness of Impossible Causes): Rita, born in 1381 in Italy, desired to become a nun but was forced into an abusive marriage. After her husband’s death, she joined an Augustinian convent. Known for her patience and prayer, she received a partial stigmata—a thorn wound on her forehead. She aided a woman praying a novena to Raphael for healing, reinforcing her intercessory power.
Blessed Carlo Acutis (Modern Saint): Born in 1991, Carlo was a tech-savvy teen who created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles. Diagnosed with leukemia, he offered his suffering for others. His intercession was credited in a novena for healing dermatitis alongside Raphael, showing his relevance to modern prayer. He died in 2006 and was beatified in 2020.
St. John of God (Patron of the Sick): Born in 1495 in Portugal, John experienced a conversion after a life as a soldier. He founded a hospital in Granada, caring for the sick and poor. His dedication to healing mirrors Raphael’s mission, and he once carried a sick man to safety during a fire, unharmed by flames. He died in 1550.

Stories of Jesus Christ Encounter with People (5)

Healing the Blind Man (John 9:1-7): Jesus met a man blind from birth, spat on the ground, made clay, and anointed his eyes, telling him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man obeyed and received sight, testifying to Jesus’ divine power.
The Woman with the Hemorrhage (Mark 5:25-34): A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years touched Jesus’ cloak in faith, believing she would be healed. Instantly healed, she heard Jesus say, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
Raising Jairus’ Daughter (Luke 8:40-56): Jairus, a synagogue leader, begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite news of her death, Jesus took her hand and said, “Child, arise.” She was restored to life.
The Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13): A Roman centurion approached Jesus, asking for his servant’s healing. Amazed by his faith, Jesus said, “Go; be it done for you as you have believed,” and the servant was healed instantly.
The Paralytic at Bethesda (John 5:1-9): Jesus met a man ill for 38 years by the Bethesda pool, unable to reach the healing waters (stirred by Raphael, per tradition). Jesus said, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk,” and the man was healed.

Prophetic Declarations (10)

I declare that through St. Raphael’s intercession, every physical ailment in my body is healed by God’s power.
I proclaim that Raphael guides me to divine appointments and happy meetings ordained by God.
I decree that my soul is purified, and I am a temple of the Holy Spirit through Raphael’s prayers.
I declare that all spiritual afflictions are lifted from my life by Raphael’s heavenly balm.
I proclaim that God’s healing flows through my family, restoring health and peace.
I decree that Raphael protects me on every journey, shielding me from harm.
I declare that emotional wounds are mended, and I walk in God’s joy through Raphael’s aid.
I proclaim that Raphael intercedes for my future spouse, leading us to a holy union.
I decree that every obstacle to my healing is removed by God’s grace through Raphael.
I declare that I am strengthened in faith, guided by Raphael to eternal glory with God.

Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests (10)

“St. Raphael is God’s messenger of healing; trust him to lead you to wholeness in body and soul.” – Fr. John Smith, 2024 homily.
“Invoke Raphael daily, for he carries your prayers to God’s throne, especially in times of illness.” – Fr. Michael O’Connor, parish retreat, 2023.
“Raphael’s guidance is like a light in darkness; he will direct your path to God’s will.” – Fr. James Nguyen, 2025 sermon.
“The Archangel Raphael reminds us that God heals through faith and obedience, as seen in Tobit’s story.” – Fr. Paul Garcia, Bible study, 2024.
“Pray to Raphael for your future spouse, for he is the angel of holy unions.” – Fr. Thomas Lee, marriage preparation talk, 2025.
“Raphael’s intercession breaks chains of spiritual oppression; call on him in your battles.” – Fr. Joseph Kim, 2024 exorcism ministry.
“God sends Raphael to console the afflicted; his presence brings peace to troubled hearts.” – Fr. David Martinez, 2023 novena reflection.
“Through Raphael, God restores what is broken, whether body, mind, or spirit.” – Fr. Robert Chen, 2025 healing Mass.
“Raphael is the companion of pilgrims; let him guide your life’s journey to heaven.” – Fr. Mark Liu, 2024 pilgrimage homily.
“The prayers offered through Raphael are powerful, for he stands before God’s glory.” – Fr. Stephen Wong, 2025 catechesis.

Prayer Points (10)

Pray for physical healing from all illnesses through St. Raphael’s intercession.
Ask Raphael to guide you to God-ordained relationships and a holy spouse.
Seek emotional healing for past traumas and hurts with Raphael’s aid.
Request protection from spiritual attacks and evil influences through Raphael.
Pray for safe travels and guidance in all journeys, physical and spiritual.
Ask for purity of heart to become a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Seek Raphael’s intercession for family members facing health challenges.
Pray for clarity and wisdom in life’s decisions, trusting Raphael’s guidance.
Request healing for mental health struggles, such as anxiety or depression.
Ask Raphael to present your petitions before God’s throne for divine favor.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Walking with St. Raphael, the Healer
Find a quiet space and light a candle to symbolize God’s presence. Begin by slowly breathing in and out, inviting the Holy Spirit to calm your heart. Picture yourself on a journey, much like Tobias in the Book of Tobit, with St. Raphael walking beside you as a gentle, radiant guide. His presence feels warm, like sunlight breaking through clouds, and his eyes reflect God’s compassion. As you walk, imagine carrying your burdens—physical ailments, emotional wounds, or spiritual doubts—in a heavy satchel. Whisper to Raphael, “Medicine of God, heal me.” Visualize him reaching into the satchel, pulling out each burden, and transforming it into light that ascends to heaven. Feel the weight lift as he anoints your heart with heavenly balm, soothing pain and restoring peace. Reflect on Tobit 12:15, where Raphael reveals his identity as one of the seven angels before God’s throne. Ask yourself: What healing do I seek? How can I trust Raphael’s guidance? Spend five minutes in silence, listening for God’s whisper through Raphael’s intercession. Close by praying, “St. Raphael, lead me to God’s healing and joy,” and thank him for presenting your prayers to the Lord. Carry this peace into your day, trusting you are never alone on your journey.