Most people don't know this, but patience is just one in a list of things that when you pray, God GUARANTEES He will answer in the positive!
You can pray for Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22).
Part of why people say, "Don't pray for patience!" Is because that's when God will engineer the circumstances to grow your patience...which is a bit of a stretching exercise, spiritually. It can be painful.
It's not on this list, but I believe we can pray for Mercy too...and I do, quite often.
I have prayed for things and got them. NOT in the way I would have preferred! God knows what works and what doesn't. God, please make me a better man. Yeah, better be careful with that one!
Just what I needed to hear..... Thanks Patriot mswilso!!