John Calvin Commentary Romans 1:10

"making request, if by any means now at length I may be prospered by the will of God to come unto you." — Romans 1:10 (ASV)

Requesting, if by any means, etc. Since it is improbable that we wholeheartedly seek the benefit of those whom we are not ready to help with our efforts, he now adds—after stating his concern for their well-being—that he showed his love for them by another proof, as before God: specifically, by requesting that he might be able to promote their welfare. So that you may, therefore, understand the full meaning, read the words as though the word also were inserted: requesting also, if by any means, etc.

By saying, A prosperous journey by the will of God, he shows not only that he looked to the Lord’s favor for success in his journey, but also that he considered his journey prosperous if it was approved by the Lord. According to this pattern, all our wishes ought to be formed.