Philemon 1:22

Paul expected release from his house arrest in Rome soon (cf. Acts 23:29; Acts 24:13; Acts 25:25-27; Acts 26:31-32; Philippians 2:24). This happened, but we have no record that Paul did or did not fulfill his desire to visit Philemon. The prospect of this visit would have motivated Philemon further to accept Onesimus. Paul believed the prayers of the Christians in Philemon’s church could result in his being released.

"Paul held that prayer had an objective as well as a subjective value. He believed in prayer as a mighty working force in the spiritual universe. As such he sought and valued the prayers of others on his behalf, and he himself faithfully exercised such intercession for the saints." [Note: Hiebert, pp. 123-24.]