“A Pioneering Heart,” Ensign, July 2017

A Pioneering Heart

(Solo)

Words and music by Janice Kapp Perry

Thoughtfully

1. I was not there with pioneers who bravely walked the plains,
Yet I face other challenges that daily test my faith.
My trials may be diff’rent, but my will, like theirs, is strong.
Through heartaches and adversity, I too will carry on!
I rev’rence them and follow from afar.
Lord, bless me with a pioneering heart.

2. I was not there to suffer, with no refuge from the storm,
Yet turning from the world’s ways can leave me battle-worn.
Protecting home and family from subtle wars that rage
Requires the strength of angels in this modern day and age.
I pray for strength to nobly do my part.
Lord, bless me with a pioneering heart.

3. When pioneers came to the West, a banner was unfurled.
Now we who follow them must take the truth to all the world.
Preparing generations for the coming of the Lord
Will test our faith in diff’rent ways from those who’ve gone before.
When I must take one step into the dark,
Lord, bless me with a pioneering heart.

4. Thru storms I’ll trust that heaven’s love, like manna from above,
Will flow into my faithful heart and it will be enough.
When strength seems gone, I’ll carry on as pioneers before.
I’ll be sustained thru latter days with blessings from His store.
Each day I’ll find the strength to pull my cart.
Lord, bless me with a pioneering heart.