When one thinks of the word “speed,” what comes to mind? Fast cars or memories of childhood racing down a steep hill on your bicycle? The 1994 movie “Speed” with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves (yes, it has been that long!)? There are all manner of “go fast” memories and thoughts that course through our minds, rapidly turning over in our heads as we race through the day, quickly getting ready for the day or the next thing to-do. We live in a speedy world.

“Speed” derives from the Old English spēd, which referred to prosperity, good fortune, and success. This sense of “speed” lives on in Godspeed, which comes from the Middle English phrase God spede you (meaning “God prosper you”) In Genesis 24:12, a servant of Abraham says aloud, “LORD, God of my master Abraham, let it turn out favorably for me” (NAB), but a older translation is “I pray thee, send me good speed this day…. ” These days, “God speed” lives on in our wishes for someone to have a prosperous and safe journey under the protection of God. 

As you race though this and that, God speed to you this day!