_270. How should we pray?_ We should pray humbly, confidently as a child, and reverently. _271. When should we pray?_ The attitude of our hearts should be one of constant prayer, and our communion with God should not be confined to certain times and places, but we should speak with Him whenever we feel the need of it. =1 Thess. 5:17. Pray without ceasing.= =Eph. 6: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.= _272. For whom should we pray?_ We should pray not only for ourselves, but also for others,--even our enemies. =1 Tim. 2:1-3. Matt. 5:44.= _273. For what should we pray?_ First of all we should pray for the spiritual gifts necessary to our salvation; but we may also pray for other gifts, both spiritual and temporal. =Matt. 6:33. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.= =1 Cor. 12:31. Covet earnestly the best gifts.= _274. What must we always remember when we pray for things not necessary to our salvation?_ We must always remember that God alone knows whether such a prayer answered would truly benefit us. When asking such gifts we should always add, "Lord, if Thou wilt". =Matt. 26:39. Not as I will, but as thou wilt.= _275. Who teaches us to pray well?_ The Holy Spirit, who is also called the Spirit of prayer. =Rom. 8:26. We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.= _276. Which is the most perfect prayer?_ The most perfect prayer is the Lord's Prayer, which Christ taught His own disciples. _277. Repeat this prayer._ Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. _278. Why would God have us speak to Him as "Our Father"?_ God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe that He is truly our Father, and we are truly His children, so that we may ask of Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear children ask of their dear father. _279. Who alone can confidently call God Father?_ God's children alone can call God their Father. _280. Why would God have us say "our Father" and not only "my Father"?_ Because He would have us pray with one another and for one another, in spiritual fellowship. _281. What is the importance of the words "who art in heaven"?_ By these words we are reminded of the exalted love and power of our heavenly Father, far above that of any earthly father.