Prayer to the Archangel Raphael Protector of Land Travelers

Prayer to the Archangel Raphael

O glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, Guide of travelers and companion on the road, You who walked with Tobias and guarded him in safety, Be with us as we journey on land.

Protect us from accident and harm, Guide our steps with wisdom and peace, And lead us safely to our destination. Heal the wounds of body, mind, and spirit That we may travel with strength and trust in God.

Intercede for us before the throne of the Most High, That our journeys may be blessed, Our hearts filled with gratitude, And our lives directed always toward the will of God.

Saint Raphael, Angel of healing and safe passage, Pray for us. Amen.

The Archangel Raphael is revered as the patron saint of travelers, among other roles, due to his biblical narrative in the Book of Tobit where he guided and protected Tobias on his journe. His name, Raphael, translates from Hebrew as "God heals," "Divine Healer," or "Remedy of God," underscoring his association with healing and safe passage.

In the Book of Tobit, Raphael, disguised as a human named Azarias, accompanied Tobiah on a long and perilous journey from Syria to Media. During this expedition, Raphael safeguarded Tobiah from various dangers, including a life-threatening encounter in the Tigris River. He also facilitated Tobiah's marriage to Sara, freeing her from a demonic affliction, and helped Tobiah recover money from Gabelus. Upon their return, Raphael restored sight to Tobiah's blind father, Tobit, enriching the family with blessings and grace. This narrative firmly establishes Raphael's role as a guide and protector for those undertaking journeys, particularly by land.

Catholics often invoke Saint Raphael for protection and guidance during travel, whether for work, vacation, or relocation to foreign lands. Prayers to Saint Raphael typically ask for him to be a safe guide, an angel of consolation, and to keep travelers free from dangers of both body and soul, ensuring a safe return to their loved ones. He is also sought for the preservation of health while traveling, reflecting his broader patronage of healing.

Several prayers specifically address Saint Raphael for protection during travel:

• One prayer asks, "Saint Raphael the Archangel, thou wast a faithful companion to the young man, Tobias, on his long journey from Syria to Media... we beseech thee with all our hearts to be a safe guide and an Angel of consolation to our dear ones on the long journey which they must undertake... do thou keep them far from all dangers of body and soul, and grant that they may come in safety to the haven of their desire" .

• Another prayer adapted from the Golden Manual states, "May the almighty and merciful God direct us in the way of peace and prosperity; and may the Angel Raphael accompany us in our journey, that we may return to our home with joy, in peace, safety and good health".

• A common invocation is: "Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court... You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air... 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".

• The Itinerarium, a prayer from the Roman Breviary, includes the petition: "Into the way of peace and prosperity, may the almighty and merciful Lord lead us and may the Angel Raphael be with us along the way, that we may come to our home again in peace, and health, and gladness".

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These prayers highlight the belief that Saint Raphael provides divine assistance, protection, and healing to those who travel, drawing directly from his actions in the biblical account of Tobit.

PRAYER: "God, who gave blessed Raphael the Archangel as a traveling companion to your servant Tobias, grant us, your servants, ever to be protected by his guardianship and by his help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen."