Churchgoers say Blagojevich needs prayer

A pastor who prayed with disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich after his arrest asked his congregation Sunday to pray for the state and worshippers there said the governor was in their thoughts.

"Pray for our state, no matter what your political position is, pray for our state," said the Rev. Ira Acree of the Greater St. John Bible Church in Chicago.

Acree was one of the ministers who prayed with Blagojevich at his North Side home last week a few days after the Democrat was arrested on federal corruption charges. Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder.

Acree only made passing reference to the governor as he began his sermon "Resignation or Restoration," telling his congregation he had prayed with the governor and that everyone deserves pastoral counsel. Acree was applauded by his church.

Worshippers said the governor was like anyone else who needed prayers in a time of need.

"All have sin. We all should forgive," said Lisa Washington of Bellwood, who thinks Blagojevich should resign for the good of the state.

Congregant Annessa Robinson said she hadn't decided whether Blagojevich should step down, but she said people were "innocent until proven guilty."

"Everybody needs prayer right now," said Robinson of Chicago.