The most difficult people to pray for are those that persecute us. Praying for the lovely people is just much easier. Even so, we are called to pray for everyone.
When you read through the Book of Psalms you see that David continually prayed for those who persecuted him. In some cases he asked that their hearts would be softened and in others he asked that the Lord pronounce judgment upon them.
Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, persecute you, shall say all manner of evil against you fasely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Take up your cross
Constant reminders to His disciples are recorded throughout the gospel accounts as well as the Book of Acts. For example, Jesus uses the metaphor that whoever follows Him will need to "take up his cross". He even goes a little deeper to say that "whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." (mark 8:35)
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Sometimes we can relate to those who have gone before us as a testimony of faith and endurance. We can learn from their teaching and admonishment as to how we should respond to persecution.
Put our trust in the Lord and not ashamed (Psalms 31:1)
Follow His lead (Psalms 31:3)
Commit our spirit into His hand (Psalms 31:5)
Be of good courage (Psalms 31:24)
Love your enemies, bless them, do good to them and pray for them (Matthew 5:44)
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