I have 16 objects of equal size and shape I need to arrange them in a four rows and columns equally spaced and distanced from each other I had a guideline template from years ago that I used in my workflow, to do this task but for the love of peat what's the secret key combo so I can just surround multiple objects and have the app do this for me...

Even If this can't be done let me know.

And do tell, where have you been? We've missed you!

There's no single keystroke that I know of that will do this for you.
But you can get this done fairly quickly.
There's many ways to do this, but using ruler guides to set your perimeter,
(the Lock command to hold some items in place, if needed)
the Align Panel with it's Alignment and Distribute commands,
along with Object > Transform > Repeat Transform commands
will probably get you where you want to end up faster.

I'm not aware of a single keystroke either.

In some instances, it might be better to go back to the beginning - starting with one shape. Here's a scheme that I use frequently, not only to align and space the objects equally - but, also using specific spacing and measurements for accuracy. It's really very easy and quick. For instance, to align 16 squares that are 1 inch, with 1/4" space between them, do this:

• make a 1" square
• select it
• to make a 2nd copy of the square (to the right of the original square, that is spaced 1/4" apart) - go to Menu/Transform/Move (Command/Shift/M) - in the Move dialog, enter 1.25 in. for Position/Horizontal - click "Copy"
• Now there are 2 squares
• With the 2nd square still selected - type "Command-D" (this makes a duplicate that is 1/4" to the right of the 2nd square). At this point, keep typing "Command-D" for as many copies that you want - in this case, once more).
• Now there is a row of 4 squares (4 columns), that are exactly 1/4" apart.
• Select all 4 squares
• Type "Command-Shift-M", to bring up the Move dialog box again.
• This time enter (minus) "-1.25 in." in the Horizontal field - click Copy. Now there are 2 rows of 4 columns.
• With the 2nd row still selected, type "Command-D", twice
• The end result, is 16 one-inch squares, that are spaced exactly 1/4" apart.

A different approach would be to use the Blend Tool, with a Specified number of steps for Spacing. Let me know if you want to try that one.

I hope this helps. It sounds more involved that it is. Once you do it a few times, you'll be able to go thru the whole process in seconds.