John 16:26 (KJV) says, "At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you."

This verse is part of a larger section in the Gospel of John where Jesus is speaking to his disciples. In this particular passage, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his impending death and departure. He is assuring them that even though he will physically leave them, they will still have access to God the Father through prayer in his name.

The theme of this verse revolves around the power of prayer and the authority of Jesus' name. It conveys the idea that believers have a direct line to the Father through Jesus, and that when they ask for something in Jesus' name, it will be granted to them. This verse has brought comfort and reassurance to countless Christians throughout the ages, as it emphasizes the close relationship believers have with God through Jesus Christ.

In the context of the Gospel of John, this verse is part of the larger discourse where Jesus is teaching his disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit and the role that the disciples will play in spreading the message of the Gospel after Jesus' departure. The disciples are anxious and confused about what will happen when Jesus leaves, and he is offering them guidance and comfort in this passage.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the concept of praying in Jesus' name. In biblical times, a person's name represented their authority and character. When believers pray in the name of Jesus, they are acknowledging his authority and identifying themselves as followers of Christ. It is a way of aligning their own will with the will of Jesus and demonstrating their faith in him as their mediator with God the Father.

The phrase "At that day" refers to the time after Jesus' departure, when the disciples will have to rely on their own faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to carry on the work that Jesus began. Jesus is assuring them that they will not be alone, and that they will still have access to the Father through prayer in his name.

The statement "I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you" may seem contradictory at first, as it could be interpreted as Jesus not interceding for his disciples. However, it should be understood as Jesus teaching the disciples to pray directly to the Father in his name, rather than needing Jesus to pray on their behalf. This underscores the personal relationship that believers have with God through Jesus, and the direct access they have to the Father through prayer.

In conclusion, John 16:26 emphasizes the importance of prayer in the name of Jesus and the assurance that believers have in their relationship with God. It is a powerful reminder of the authority and mediation of Jesus Christ, and the intimate connection that believers have with the Father through him. This verse has been a source of strength and encouragement for Christians for centuries, and it continues to offer hope and comfort to those who seek to deepen their faith and relationship with God.