After the introduction, Paul gives a big thanks to God for the Roman Christians (1:8). He gave such thanks because "[their] faith is spoken of throughout the whole world" (1:8). In other words, the Roman Christians did a pretty job sharing Jesus in the Roman world (and possibly even further). Although the Roman Christians technically were the ones who were talking about Jesus, Paul directed his thanks to God because God instigated such events. In other words, God got the Roman Christians to share Jesus. In many great Christian acts today, God is the great initiator, too.
Speaking of which, Paul also wrote about his request he made to God, which he stated to be the one that Paul served with the gospel. In particular, Paul prays for the Roman Christians very often and also prays that he can go be with the Roman Christians (1:9-10). Paul really cares for the Roman Christians since he does these things, and today, we can do similar actions as well. Additionally, in the prayer, Paul focuses on "the will of God" (1:10). Considering that God knows way more than Paul and us, Paul decides to focus on going with God's plan (hence Paul being very dedicated to serving God).