Faith in Every Footstep

In 1995 author and composer K. Newell Dayley was asked to write music commemorating the 150th anniversary of Latter-day Saint pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. At the time, Brother Dayley’s son was preparing to share the gospel as a full-time missionary. For several weeks they studied and memorized scripture passages together each day.

One morning, Brother Dayley awoke thinking of his early pioneer ancestors, some of whom had come from England, where his son would soon be serving. He explained, “Feelings of gratitude coupled with a flow of spiritual insights from scriptures I had been memorizing impelled me to begin writing my thoughts in verse.” He originally wrote nine verses before adding a chorus. Within a few weeks, Brother Dayley had completed the text and music.

The hymn was printed in Church magazines in 1997 and used throughout the Church in pioneer sesquicentennial celebrations. It was included in the Croatian, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, and Romanian hymnbooks before being added to Hymns—For Home and Church.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Faith in Every Footstep

Scriptures

Principles

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a marvelous work that prepares us for the salvation of God.
When we choose to live with faith and follow Jesus Christ, as did the Saints of the past, we will receive His love and feel hope.
We can assist in God’s work and prepare others to receive salvation when we serve with all our heart, mind, and strength.

Questions to Ponder

In what ways has the restored gospel of Jesus Christ been a blessing in your life?
What are some ways that you might strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and your commitment to follow Him?
What can you learn from the choices and sacrifices of early Church members?
What opportunities do you have to assist God in His work?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Learn the hymn with movement. Listen to or sing this hymn together as a family. Choose one child to lead. Each time the chorus is sung, have the leader walk around the room while the rest of the family follows. Take turns so that each child has a chance to lead. After singing, discuss what it means to have “faith in every footstep” as we follow Jesus Christ. Help your children understand that just as they followed the leader during the hymn, we can choose to follow the Savior—step by step—with faith and trust in Him. Invite your children to share events from the Savior’s life that help them follow Him in faith.
Learn about pioneers in the Church. Help your children understand that having faith in Jesus Christ can help them take important steps in life, just as it helped the early pioneers. Listen to or sing the hymn together. Then learn some stories about early members of the Church together. You might share stories about your ancestors or talk about your own conversion to the gospel. You can find resources to help you here: