John 16:26

At that day ye shall ask in my name:— This is the fifth time our Lord enjoined his apostles to offer up their petitions in his name. See John 16:23. Ch. John 14:13 and John 15:16. The frequency of the injunction shews the importance of the matter enjoined; for whether we understand Jesus as speaking of the things requisite to the conversion of the world, or of such things as are necessary to the salvation of individuals, it is evident that the great end of the mediation of Christ is, to atone for the sins of the world, and to impress mankind with a deep sense of their own sinfulness which makes them unfit to approach the divine presence directly; of the merit and efficacy of Christ's death, whereby alone they have access to God; of the necessity of receiving his spirit for every good thought, word and work, and to send this divine Comforter into the hearts of believers. When our Lord says, And I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father, his meaning is, "Do not think that I shall solicit the Father on your behalf,as if he was unwilling to bestow upon you the blessings you want: no; the Father himself bears a warm love towards you, for my sake, and on account of your love to me, and your faith in me."