Philemon 1:4

“I thank my God, &c.] Meaning on account, of Philemon, for the grace bestowed upon him, thereafter mentioned; (see Gill on “<450108>Romans 1:8”) making other saints, (<450109>Romans 1:9 <490116>Ephesians 1:16 <500103> Philippians 1:3,4 <510103>Colossians 1:3 <520102>1 Thessalonians 1:2), the apostle was a man much in prayer, frequent at the throne of grace; and he prayed not for himself only, but for all the saints, for all the churches and ministers of the Gospel; whom he not only bore upon his mind and heart, but made mention of them, it may be by name; however, he remembered them, and put up petitions, with thanksgivings, for them; and so he did for Philemon; and which he takes notice of…”

“always--joined by ALFORD with, "I thank my God."”

“I thank my God - That is, for what I hear of you. Making mention of thee always in my prayers - See a similar declaration respecting the church at Ephesus, Ephesians 1:16. It would appear from this that Paul, in his private devotions, was in the habit of mentioning churches and individuals by name. It would seem, also, that though he was a prisoner, yet he somehow found opportunity for secret devotion. And it would appear further, that, though encompassed with many cares and sorrows, and about to be put on trial for his life, he did not forget to remember a Christian brother though far distant from him, and to bear him on his heart before the throne of grace. To remember with affectionate…”

“1:4-7 In his letters, Paul usually thanks God for the faith and love of his readers and mentions his prayers for them (Rom 1:8-12; 1 Cor 1:4-9; 2 Cor 1:3-11; contrast Gal 1:6-10). Ancient Greek letters occasionally included a section of thanksgiving following the greeting.”

“Rom 1:8; Eph 1:16; Phi 1:3; Col 1:3; Th1 1:2; Th2 1:3; Ti2 1:3 Philemon 1:5”