The six-word phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ" — or some form of the same — is stated by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an integral part of all priesthood ordinances and is expressed at the end of personal and public prayers, and the conclusion of testimonies and talks given at Church meetings.

Its use should not be considered simply as signaling the finish of a talk, testimony or prayer. Its frequency shouldn't result in mere thoughtless repetition. It is far more than a mere habit or tradition.

Yet, it is sometimes expressed as such by the speaker, or perceived as such by the listener.

For example, have you heard someone hurriedly or breathlessly rush through the expression as if it were all one long, run-on word?

No big deal, you might say.

But it is — and we should be deliberate and mindful of "in the name of Jesus Christ" for several reasons.

Our own salvation is linked to Jesus Christ's Atonement and Resurrection. As the Savior Himself taught, when we use His name in our worship, our efforts and our expressions, we underscore that dependency.

"Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;

"And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.

"Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name" (3 Nephi 27:5-7).

Such has been the instruction from the earth's first dispensation to modern times.

Adam was commanded that "thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son

forevermore" (Moses 5:8).

The mandate given by revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith was similar, that "every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:20).

Another reason worshipping, praying and performing ordinances are done expressly in the name of Jesus Christ is acknowledging that we strive to represent His will when we speak and act as directed by the Spirit of the Lord.

"And again, I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit" (Doctrine and Covenants 46:31).

The message of President Howard W. Hunter is representative of our day. "We testify as the ancient prophets and apostles did, that the name of Christ is the only name given under heaven whereby a man, woman or child can be saved," he said at the April 1993 general conference when he was president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. "It is a blessed name, a gracious name, a sacred name."

We should strive to use it with understanding, with meaning and with appropriateness.

It is, simply and powerfully, the name of Jesus Christ.