Epilepsy brings a particular unease into a family's life: seizures come unexpectedly, and loved ones often live with fear. A prayer for epilepsy is not a cure, but spiritual support for the sick person and for those who care for them: strength to bear the illness, patience, good doctors and peace at home. In this article you will find short prayers, the saints to whom believers pray for healing and a few important things to know.
Prayer accompanies treatment, it does not replace it
Epilepsy is a neurological condition, diagnosed and treated by a neurologist. It is not a punishment, a curse or a sign of spiritual weakness. Prayer has its place in the life of the sick person, but it goes together with medical treatment. Never stop medication without your doctor's agreement, even if you feel better.
The Church itself calls Christ “the Physician of souls and bodies” and has always honoured the gift of healing that God works also through the hands of doctors.
Prayer for a person with epilepsy
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord Jesus Christ, Physician of our souls and bodies, visit with Your mercy Your servant, (name). Protect them during seizures, keep them from injury and danger. Enlighten the doctors who care for them to find the right treatment. Give them courage to live without shame and without fear, and surround them with people who love them. Amen.
For other prayers for healing, see also our article on the prayer for the sick.
Prayer for a child with epilepsy
When illness touches a child, the parents' worry can sometimes become overwhelming. Prayer can help them not to be ruled by fear:
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Most Pure Mother of God, cover my child, (name), with your protecting veil. Be with them at school, at play and in their sleep. Give us, the parents, peace and wisdom to care for them without smothering them with our fear. Amen.
Prayer for the family of the sick person
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord, strengthen us who care for the sick. Give us patience on hard days, rest when we are tired and unity at home. Help us see the person, not the illness. Amen.
What the Gospel says
The Gospels tell how a father brought to Christ his son, who often fell into the fire and into the water (Matthew 17, Mark 9). From this account comes the father's prayer, one of the most sincere in Scripture: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Many parents repeat it in hard moments, when their strength and hope seem to run out.
Saints to whom believers pray for healing
- Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr – an unmercenary physician, honoured as protector of the sick and of doctors (27 July);
- Saint Nektarios – to whom many sick people pray for healing (9 November);
- The Unmercenary Physicians Saints Cosmas and Damian – protectors of the sick;
- The Mother of God – to whom the Paraklesis is read for those who are suffering.
For the texts addressed to these saints, use an approved Orthodox prayer book or akathist. You will find more in our guide on the prayer for health.
Practical steps for the sick person and their loved ones
- Follow the treatment and the check-ups recommended by the neurologist.
- Learn seizure first aid: lay the person on their side, protect their head, put nothing in their mouth and call emergency services (112 in Europe) if the seizure lasts more than a few minutes or repeats. Ask your doctor what is appropriate in your case.
- Take care of sleep and a regular routine, as recommended by the doctor.
- Give the names to be remembered at the Liturgy for the health of the sick person and ask for the Holy Unction, if you wish.
- Look for support. Groups of parents and patients, the priest or a psychologist can help you not to carry everything alone.
If you feel the need for inner support for yourself and your family during this time, the materials in the Unbindings for Health collection can accompany you, alongside prayer and medical treatment. For a personal conversation you can also book an individual session.
Frequently asked questions
What prayer can I say for someone with epilepsy?
Any sincere prayer in which you mention their name and ask for protection, good doctors and strength to bear the illness. You can add the Lord's Prayer and the Paraklesis of the Mother of God.
Is epilepsy a spiritual illness?
No. Epilepsy is a neurological condition and is treated medically. Prayer supports the sick person and their family spiritually, but it does not replace consultation and treatment.
Which saint helps with epilepsy?
In the Orthodox tradition, believers pray for healing especially to Saint Panteleimon, Saint Nektarios, Saints Cosmas and Damian and the Mother of God.
Can I pray during a seizure?
During a seizure, the first concern is the person's safety: turn them on their side and protect their head. You can say a short prayer in your mind, such as “Lord, have mercy”, while you help them.
