Countries watched on as the pandemic locked-down major cities, shut borders, forced families to study and work from home, closed pubs and clubs and other businesses, ceased dining-in at restaurants, closed church doors, introduced social distancing and only allowed people to leave their homes for an "essential reason", over the months that followed.

Such enormous measures have changed life as we know it and are taking their toll on cities to country towns like Parkes.

The Parkes Minister' Association (PMA) and its congregations are thinking about the community during such unprecedented and uncertain times.

And under the leadership of Pastor Andrew Taggart from the Assemblies of God Church in Parkes, the PMA has invited all churches to take part in a united prayer time.

Michael Lynch from the Holy Family Catholic Church has suggested they use Thursday evenings, from 6pm-7pm, as a community prayer time and has invited churches with bells to ring their bells during this time.

"We also encourage people to light a candle in their window during that time so as to let the community of Parkes know we are praying," PMA said.

"Everyone is invited to pray for our community during this hour every week."

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