Worshipers at former President Reagan's church bowed their heads Sunday to pray for a "healing hand" to fight his Alzheimer's disease, while messages wishing him well poured in from around the country.
"We are concerned and shocked to hear of his illness," the Rev. Paul Pierson said in leading parishioners at Bel Air Presbyterian Church.One day after Reagan's disclosure that he had been diagnosed with the incurable brain disease, the pastor praised him for making his condition public.
"It may help others seek help," Pierson said.
"We pray for your healing hand to slow the progress of this disease," he said in leading the prayer.
Reagan's handwritten letter disclosing the disease was accompanied by a statement from five doctors. They said that while Reagan's health was otherwise good, "it is expected that as the years go on it will begin to deteriorate."
Reagan, 83, and his wife, Nancy, didn't attend Sunday services at their 2,000-member church overlooking the San Fernando Valley. They also were not at their Bel-Air estate, where TV cameras were set up outside the gate.
Reagan spokeswoman Cathy Busch said the Reagans were out of town and she wouldn't disclose where.