Exodus 18:1-27 (NKJV)
¹  And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people--that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.

A few thoughts, as I began reading this chapter, about the word translated "priest" in this verse and what it means for us.

כֹּהֵן

"kohen" is the Hebrew word for ""priest".  Strong's Concordance notes that it is not, formally, a noun but rather an "active participle" of a verb that means "to mediate" or "to put on regalia".  So, in a way, I'm a priest only in action.  The purpose of priesthood is to actively speak to the people the words of God (prophecy & instruction) and to speak to God on behalf of the people (intercession).  It is hard to be a true priest and be passive.  The form of the very word implies activity.  The definition of the underlying verb, (כָּהַן "kahan"), "to put on regalia" also gives me a different perspective of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20.

      The passage speaks of the garments of warfare (armor) but prayer and intercession is justly described as a form of "warfare", spiritual warfare.  The work of a priest could be considered in a military sense as being actively involved in the work of God against the works of the devil.  This is relevant for any spiritual leader, including pastor, but also for all for we are all called as part of the priesthood of all believers.

     Practically speaking, this shines light on the sacred nature of prayer, especially prayer for others, and prayers of praise to God.  The simplest Sunday School class or Bible study is shown to be sacred as it is the work of a priest.  How we prepare ourselves to face the day (praying through the armor of God) gets us ready to act as those who speak God's words in the Name of Jesus the Christ, and as those who bring the trials of broken people to the Mercy Seat.  It is ordinary, it is action and it is sacred.