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Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum visited Grace Church in Eden Prairie Sunday morning, ahead of Minnesota's Tuesday caucuses.

Santorum took questions from the non-denominational mega church's Senior Pastor Troy Dobbs. He asked the former Pennsylvania senator how faith in Christ guides his life and role in public office. 

Santorum said that politics has drawn him closer to God. The world is moving farther away from Jesus and his message, he said, and he's grateful for anything he can do to draw people back to faith. 

Parishioners chuckled when Santorum, who finished last in Saturday's Nevada caucuses, said he isn't running for president, he's walking -- in God's path.

"People say, 'Are you getting out of the race?'" Santorum said. "I said 'I'm just still walking. I'm still trying to walk the path and I'll leave it up to him as to how everything turns out.'"

Dobbs clarified that the church isn't endorsing Santorum, but asked the senator how best parishioners could pray for him.

People should instead pray for his loved ones, who have come under scrutiny because of his run for president, Santorum said.

"Pray for them," he said. "All. Both sides. Everyone. Because they're the ones that are taking the real blows that hurt. The blows that they're taking can undermine the ability of the warrior to do what he needs to do or what she needs to for his glory."

Santorum also scheduled campaign stops in Bemidji and Lake Waconia.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney heads into Tuesday's Minnesota caucuses fresh off a win in the Nevada primary. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Congressman Ron Paul are expected to visit the state Monday. Ron Paul stopped in Rochester, Chanhassen, and Arden Hills Saturday.

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Author

Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum visited Grace Church in Eden Prairie Sunday morning, ahead of Minnesota's Tuesday caucuses. Santorum took questions from the non-denominational mega church's senior pastor.

Santorum talks faith during Eden Prairie mega church stop

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