Blaise was a bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, in what is now eastern Turkey, martyred around 316. According to tradition, while he was being led to prison, a mother brought him her son, who was dying with a fishbone stuck in his throat. Blaise prayed over the boy and he recovered. The candles in the blessing recall another part of the legend: the same mother brought Blaise candles in his prison cell.
Historical Context
Blaise is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints medieval Christians called on for specific needs. His feast comes the day after Candlemas, the feast when candles are blessed, which is probably why candles became part of his blessing.
The Blessing of Throats
Through the intercession of St Blaise, bishop and martyr,
may God deliver you from every disease of the throat,
and from every other illness.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
A Prayer to St Blaise
St Blaise, you healed a child who could not breathe.
Pray for me and for all who suffer from throat illness,
sore throats, infections and cancers.
Ask God to heal us and give us strength.
And guard my throat from speaking words that wound.
Amen.
For a Sick Child
St Blaise, pray for my child who is sick.
Let them breathe easily and rest well.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 3 February, at the Blessing of Throats.
- During cold and flu season.
- Before throat surgery or treatment.
- For singers, teachers and speakers who rely on their voices.
Scripture Connection
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” — Psalm 141:3
The Blessing of Throats asks for physical healing. Psalm 141 adds a second request: that what comes out of our throats would be good too.
Related prayers
For his feast day, see the February 3 Prayer. For another of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, the Saint Erasmus Prayer and Saint Barbara Prayer.