Pop idol Britney Spears has said she wants her fans to know that their prayers have helped her during her difficult time.

She has left a short message for her fans on her website saying: "I am so blessed that you care enough about me to be concerned and will continue to live in this brighter state with all of you by my side during this trying time."

Spears added: "We are all the lights of the world and we all need to continually inspire others and look to the higher power. You are all in my prayers. Godspeed."

The pop princess recently performed her first public concerts in nearly three years.

Her musical comeback comes following a turbulent time in which she divorced husband Kevin Federline, had a series of run-ins with the paparazzi, shaved her head bald, and checked into rehab.