St Paul wrote these words (1tim1vv15-16)

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all!

But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus.

'... I was worse ...' sounds like a bit of an exaggeration. Surely he could think of others - Roman emperors, Kings of Judah... Not a phrase I would use to describe myself - but still, if not for God's mercy I would be on a 'sticky wicket'.

But he uses the word was - maybe he could not recall any Roman emperors, Kings of Judah... who had responded to the mercy of God (unlike him). Also makes me think 'there is no sin so trivial that the cross was not necessary' - its serious business.

There is someone I pray for from time to time. Why? I have no personal connection or responsibility. The word on the grapevine is that ... is a nasty piece of work. I think 'am I out of my mind praying such and such, should I not pray for a fate similar to that of King Herod' (Acts 12vv20-23)?

But we read above 'God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus'.
So that is how I will pray "God have mercy on ... and let ... be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus."
For God so loved that ... (John 3:16).