Gov feels like everything's closing in, pastor says

Gov. Blagojevich prayed with several ministers at his home Friday morning and told them he's innocent of federal corruption charges and will be vindicated.

The Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church said Blagojevich would not discuss details of the allegations against him, but said he is trying to get a legal and political consultation team in place.

The Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church told the Chicago Sun-Times that Acree reached out to Blagojevich's office Thursday, and then Hatch spoke to the governor to arrange Friday's prayer meeting. "The governor was most concerned about his wife and family, and just how they were processing the tensions," Hatch said.

About 7:30 a.m., Blagojevich greeted Acree, Hatch and a third pastor, Steve Jones.

"He said, 'Good morning and thanks for coming,' " Hatch said.

The three pastors, Blagojevich, his wife and their two children prayed in the governor's office, Hatch said. The governor told the ministers he feels as if everything is closing in on him and that he's not getting "any space or chance to sort anything out."

The pastors spent about half an hour in the Blagojevich home.

Acree emerged with the governor from the front door about 8:30 a.m. "Any father can sympathize with media swarming the house," Acree told reporters.

About 8:50 a.m., pastor Leonard Barr of the South Side's Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church emerged from the front door with the governor. When asked what were they praying for, Barr said for Blagojevich to "continue to be a great governor."

Around 9 a.m., the governor left home in an SUV, and his wife, Patti, left in a different vehicle.