John Chrysostom

"Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request also with joy." "Always," not only while I am praying. "With joy." For it is possible to do this with grief too, as when he says elsewhere, "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears."

Homily on Philippians 1 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

But, despite the fact that you are so glorious in divine matters, I do not cease to pray for you, but pray for all of you, that you may progress still more and more. For it is possible to remember with sorrow as well, as, for example, he says in another place: "Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you" (2 Cor. 2:4). Therefore, remembrance with joy is a testimony of their virtue.

Commentary on Philippians ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

For, so long as there is not implanted in you any one lust which is able to torment you, behold, ye live in God. I rejoice in you, and offer supplication on account of you, Ephesians, a Church which is renowned in all ages. For those who are carnal are not able to do spiritual things, nor those that are spiritual carnal things; in like manner as neither can faith [do] those things which are foreign to faith, nor want of faith [do] what belongs to faith. …

Syriac Second Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

For you all: "Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever" (Is. 60:21). He gives thanks for their blessings, he makes a prayer for their protection, and all of this with joy: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you" (1 Sam. 12:23).

Commentary on Philippians ↗