"Step by Step" is a song written and originally recorded by singer Annie Lennox, later a cross over pop hit by R&B/pop singer Whitney Houston. The song served as the second single from Houston's 1996 soundtrack album, The Preacher's Wife. Lennox's recording originally appeared as the B-side to her 1992 single "Precious" Largely, Houston's version replaces Lennox's verses with new lyrics and omits portions from the bridge as well. Annie Lennox also provides background vocals in Houston's rendition.

In an interview for The Nation, Houston said that "Annie sent me this really beautiful, spiritual song and it fit the groove of the album right away".

Billboard called it "one of the shining moments on the soundtrack to The Preacher's Wife" and described it as "a rousing, gospel-kissed chugger", adding that "[i]t's been too long since Houston has cut loose on an uptempo number, and she whips through this jam with engaging ease".Entertainment Weekly in its review for The Preacher's Wife soundtrack wrote "Best among the non-gospel fare, [...] [is] Step by Step, a house throbber penned by Annie Lennox, represents an admirable departure but gets tripped up by a pallid Inspirations R Us lyric and perhaps too much of its author's stamp." According to J. D. Considine of The Baltimore Sun "Step by Step" is "a slick, synth-driven number that recalls the '80s-style sparkle of her early hits" and "certain to spend many weeks in the Top 10". In its review for the dance single for "Step By Step", Billboard called it an "uplifting anthem" in which "Houston cuts loose with stirring gospel fervor". Bob Waliszewski of Plugged In called it "aerobically upbeat", adding that the song "embraces the challenges of living day by day" While reviewing The Preacher's Wife album, Cary Darling of The Orange County Register noted that Houston "turns in a credible, danceable take on Annie Lennox's "Step by Step"" and that "the Teddy Riley remix digs a deep new jack groove."The Miami Herald wrote that "Step by Step" is a "punchy dance/ pop number" and its "bass-rumbling remix seems a natural for clubs".

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