Lyrics:

1. O Lord of Hosts, we now invoke
Thy Spirit most divine
To cleanse our hearts while we partake
The broken bread and wine.

2. May we forever think of thee
And of thy suff’rings sore,
Endured for us on Calvary,
And praise thee evermore.

3. Prepare our minds that we may see
The beauties of thy grace,
Salvation purchased on that tree
For all who seek thy face.

4. As brethren, let us ever live
In fellowship and peace!
Forgive, that God may us forgive,
That love may still increase.

5. May union, peace, and love abound,
And perfect harmony,
And joy in one continual round
Through all eternity.

Text: Andrew Dalrymple, 1817-1890.
Music: George Careless, 1839-1932.

-History: (Source: Wikipedia)

Written By: Andrew Dalrymple

Music By: George Careless

George Edward Percy Careless (September 24, 1839 – March 5, 1932) was a prominent Latter-day Saint composer and conductor.

Careless was born in London, England.^[1] As a child he studied at the Royal Academy in London. He performed at Exeter Hall, Drury Lane and the Crystal Palace.

In the early 1860s Careless joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in 1864 he immigrated to Utah Territory. It was while on the ship crossing the ocean that he wrote a musical arrangement for Parley P. Pratt‘s hymn The Morning Breaks.

Shortly after coming to Salt Lake City, Careless became the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as well as of the Salt Lake Theatre orchestra. He also conducted performances by the Salt Lake Opera Company. Among his students was the future conductor of the Tabernacle choir, J. Spencer Cornwall.^[2]

Besides The Morning Breaks (hymn #1), Careless also composed the music to the following hymns in the 1985 Latter-day Saint hymnal: #40 “Arise, O Glorious Zion”, #122 “Though Deepening Trials”, #145 “Prayer Is the Soul’s Sincere Desire”, #150 “O Thou Kind and Gracious Father”, #178 “O Lord of Hosts”, #186 “Again We Meet Around the Board”, #191 “Behold the Great Redeemer Died” and #192 “He Died! The Great Redeemer Died”.