"We have broken hearts," the man giving the prayer said. "We pray they are able to return to us safely."

Another prayer was given in Spanish and included the singing of "Hail Mary."

Saturday night, the communities of Huntington, Cleveland and Elmo are being invited to participate in a special fast at the Huntington LDS Stake Center.

"This is a very difficult time for everyone and we pray that the Lord will lead and guide us as we pass through this trial together," said Huntington LDS Stake President Lavar J. Jensen in a written statement.

Still, hope remained all day Friday that the search will yield a rescue of the six men — not a recovery of six bodies. Despite the news that a microphone has not detected any human noise inside the collapsed mine shaft the six miners are believed to be trapped in, people in Huntington said there was no reason to hang their heads low.

"We believe nobody is giving up hope," said Hillary Gordon, who grew up with Kerry Allred. "We all believe. We never give up on that."

That sentiment was echoed all over town.

Even though community members may only pass others at the store or see someone once a week or once a month, tragedies like this pull Utah's coal country together.

"The county is more like a town. ... It's more than a county of nine individual towns. Everyone looks after everyone," Gordon said.

John Bueno of Price, who was visiting Huntington Friday, said the public should not automatically think of a worst-case scenario because nothing has been heard in the mine. He criticized news media outlets who portray it as a "doom and gloom" situation, saying they don't understand much about mines.

"It would be like sending someone from Utah to cover a bridge collapse over the Mississippi," he said.

Bueno said the rescuers should be commended for the work they've done.

"This is a grand effort," he said of the 2 1/2-inch hole. "That right there alone is itself so difficult and hard to do."

Friday morning, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was seen going inside the school where the families were being sequestered. The family members have been updated by mine officials and government authorities.

Around town, signs have been posted on fences at parks, on churches and in front of homes and shops asking people to keep praying for "Our 6" or "Our Miners." There are also signs thanking rescuers for their efforts.

Also, a benefit concert is scheduled next week with the proceeds to be given to the families of the trapped miners.

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com