Nehemiah 1:4

When I heard these words I sat down Probably upon the ground, as the manner was, in great sorrow, and perhaps in ashes; and wept and mourned certain days Thus the desolations and distresses of the church of Christ ought to be the matter of our grief, how much soever we live at ease. And fasted and prayed Not in public, which he had no opportunity of doing, but before the God of heaven Who sees in secret, and will reward openly.