The scene is the Upper Room and Jesus is with his Disciples for one last evening meal. He has washed the Disciples’ feet, shared the bread and wine, and predicted his betrayer. Jesus shared many encouraging words with these, his closest friends, along with words of wisdom. Finally Jesus prays for himself and then for believers:

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.

–John 17:11-8 (NLT)

It was through prayer that Jesus connected with God. It was through prayer that Jesus continually renewed his strength. And it was through prayer that Jesus pleaded with God on our behalf. Jesus has not stopped praying for us to this day as he now sits at the right hand of God our Heavenly Father and pleads our case for us. Romans 8:34

Why should he love us so – after what we (mankind) did to him?