Prayer is the bread and butter of the Christian life.  Communication with God is so important.  He longs for it and commands it and answers it.  And when we pray for others, we get our eyes off our own problems and needs and lifts up others needs and issues.  It does soften our hearts to them and show our love for them, which as we have learned is another command given to us by God.  I would even encourage you to focus all this week on intercessory prayer.  Put your own wants and wishes on hold and focus solely on those are you.  Pray for God to work in their lives.  I think you will find that praying for others will end up benefiting you.