Emotional Chavez tells of his cancer ordeal

Amid prayers, Mr Chavez spoke earnestly of his hopes for survival.

"Give me life even if it's painful life. I don't care. Christ, give me your crown. Give it to me, I will bleed. Give me life because I still have things to do for these people. Don't take me yet," he said.

The president sat between his mother and father, holding hands with them while a priest led a prayer for his health.

"This life has not been easy. The paths toward revolution never are easy," he commented later.

President Chavez returned from Cuba late on Wednesday after undergoing a second round of daily radiation.

He began the treatments in late March and will have a total of five to help prevent a recurrence of his illness.

"So far, fortunately, there hasn't been any adverse reaction to the treatment," he said.

"All the examinations that have been carried out have shown positive results of physical recovery."

The president has travelled regularly to and from Cuba for treatment since last June, when initial surgery removed a tumour the size of a cricket ball.

His illness has brought out more religious expressions by Mr Chavez recently.

"Today I'm more Christian than ever. I've entrusted myself to the hands of Christ," he said on Wednesday night.

"I'm clinging to life and I ask God, Christ my lord, to continue giving us life."