Some of the most difficult prayers that I have ever prayed are for people that have shown me that they don't have my best interest in mind. It's really hard for me to pray for someone who has told me (in no uncertain terms) that they don't like me. It goes against my grain to bow my head and ask God to shine His love and mercy into their lives.

My humanity cries out against participating in a little prayer service for those who have used me (or my family.) It's not MY way...

...but God makes it clear that it's His way!

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:43-45

"And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace." Jeremiah 29:7 (NKJV)

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you..." Luke 6:27

How could this be possible? 

"Lord, do You mean that I should pray for that mean-spirited "ex" that seems hell-bent on hurting me emotionally?"

"God, what about that boss who is always getting in my face and causing me grief?"

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Romans 12:17-18

There are things that we don't always understand about God's ways, but we can still ask Him for the grace to carry out what He told us to do. He knows that when people pray for those who have made themselves the "enemy," that something happens in the heart of the one who prayed...and possibly in the life of the one who was prayed for.