QUINCY – The faithful in western Illinois are heeding Gov. Pat Quinn's request to pray for rain as the state suffers drought conditions.

Quincy-area residents gathered Sunday evening for a "Pray for Rain" event. The Quincy Herald-Whig reported that several religious organizations participated in the half-hour prayer service in a local park. The Rev. Patrick Smith of St. John's Anglican Parish said it was an opportunity to "collectively ask God to do something that he can do."

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor most of Illinois is in extreme or exceptional drought conditions. Agricultural specialist Sara Fernandez spoke between prayers about the drought in Illinois. The governor asked Illinoisans to pray for rain earlier this month.