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.
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 of God. Do not be slow to acknowledge him Tobit 12:6
St. Raphael, the patron saint of marriages, happy meetings and travelers, is one of three archangels mentioned by name in scripture. Additionally, he is one of seven archangels standing at the Lord’s throne chanting unending praise.bA healer and protector, St. Raphael is one to call upon when faced with uncertainty. St. Raphael delivered Sarah from a demon and healed Tobit of his blindness. In addition to healing Tobit, he also protected him during his journey. Thus the reason he is the patron saint of traveling, and lovers.
In Tobit 12:6, St. Raphael encourages us to praise the Lord without ceasing. With St. Raphael as our guide, I think we can certainly find more ways to glorify the Lord through our actions and thoughts. St. Raphael mentions that we should not keep our love for the Lord secret. When trying to find way to glorify the Lord, I think we should also take into account ways that we can show other’s God’s love.
This can be a simple, “I know the Lord has great plans for you, I will continue to pray for you.” Or, it can be singing in the choir, answering a friend’s question about your faith, or even writing for Heart of Mary! It is difficult to be vulnerable and show others our hearts, but when we do, we are glorifying the Lord and praising him in ways that we may not even be aware of.
I have chosen to add the Litany of St. Raphael to help guide you in your prayers and reflections. My hope is that you will call out to St. Raphael during trials in your life and remember to continuously praise the Lord, even in difficult moments.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels,
pray for us.
St. Raphael,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, filled with the mercy of God,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, perfect adorer of the Divine Word,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, terror of demons,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, exterminator of vices,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, health of the sick,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, our refuge in all our trials,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, guide of travelers,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, consoler of prisoners,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, joy of the sorrowful,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, filled with zeal for the salvation of souls,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, whose name means "God heals,"
pray for us.
St. Raphael, lover of chastity,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, scourge of demons,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, in pestilence, famine and war,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, Angel of peace and prosperity,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, endowed with the grace of healing,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, sure guide in the paths of virtue and sanctification,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, help of all those who implore thy assistance,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, who was the guide and consolation of Tobias on his journey,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, whom the Scriptures praise: "Raphael, the holy Angel ofthe Lord, was sent to cure,"
pray for us.
St. Raphael, our advocate,
pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Pray for us, St. Raphael, to the Lord Our God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray.
Lord, Jesus Christ, by the prayer of the Archangel Raphael, grant
us the grace to avoid all sin and to persevere in every good work
until we reach our Heavenly destination, Thou Who livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.
To Jesus through Mary-Ashley Likes
image by thesaintsproject.org
