When we pray for others we do not ask God for something for them, but we ask that the Holy Spirit may illumine them to that which already is. It is always right to pray for another when we pray to call forth the perfection in them. The innate will of every person is for perfection. As we do this we learn that it is not a duty, but man's highest privilege to love his enemies, and to pray for those who persecute and despitefully use him. For in loving them we exalt the highest in ourselves, and at the same time help to free them from negative, harmful emotions.
Love is the universal solvent.
Pity is not the way to release. Pity accepts the condition. Compassion understands and absolves it. The marvel of the human spirit is the ability to establish our identity with the highest. Years ago Evelyn Underhill phrased it in some of the most beautiful words that have ever been written.