A Perspective on Prayer

John 17:1-5.  Jesus is praying one last prayer before being arrested and lead away to trial. Soon He will be condemned to die as a criminal for crimes he never committed. He will be jeered and mocked.   Then He will surrender His life as a sacrifice for humanity.  Before parting he gives us a treasured glimpse into His secret communion with the Father. 

We know Jesus prayed. And prayed often.  Luke's Gospel is full of references to Christ's prayer life.  However, seldom do we see the content of these times with the Father.  What did Jesus and the Father talk about? How did they connect?  What characterized these prayer times? What insights could we gather that would help us to better connect with the Father?   What role did prayer play in Jesus' understanding of who He was? His mission?  His identity? 

As far as I can tell, this passage is the only place in Scripture where we capture a brief glimpse of the essence of Christ's prayer-life.  He's talking to the Father hours before His approaching death. Time is critical now.   He needs strength to accomplish heaven's eternal plan.  He needs spiritual sustenance. He needs clarification.  He needs affirmation.  He needs the Father's touch and courage.    So what does He pray?