So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4

Has anything ever broken your heart to the point that you cried and prayed?
On 9-11 many people cried and prayed. I don’t think it was in mourning but in anger. True mourning would have us repenting over our sin and not the atrocities against us.

Nehemiah heard of the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem and the poor conditions of the wall and gates of the city. The captivity of Israel took place because of the sins of Israel. There was no reason for anger at the invading army when the fault lay with the people.
Nehemiah recognized this and wept, prayed, and fasted for the restoration of his people and the beloved Jerusalem.

Sin should cause us to weep, fast, and pray. We should not become upset and angry over the circumstances and effects that sin plays in ruining our lives – in destroying the walls and gates of our lives.