Why I Cover My Head When I Pray
On March 16, 2010 – God and I had an intense conversation. I had been reading through I Corinthians and came to chapter 11 and it was like I was reading it for the first time. I had always very conveniently ignored the first 16 verses before and had never had any prick of conscience about it in the past. But this time, I could not ignore it AT ALL. God brought it to my attention. I had to deal with it. He would not let me go any further until I wrestled with this passage. And MAN, did I wrestle!!!!
Studying about respect and how God had ordained my husband as my authority had made me realize that I needed to pay attention whenever God is talking about spiritual authority. That is an EXTREMELY CRITICAL topic. There are some PROFOUND truths about marriage and about God’s design in this passage. I pray that you might read it reverently, with new Spirit-filled eyes, prayerfully and with an open spirit to anything God may want to say to your heart.
Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head – it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.
In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as a woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice – nor do the churches of God.” I Corinthians 11:3-16
THIS DOESN’T APPLY ANYMORE, RIGHT? CAN’T I JUST MOVE ON TO THE STUFF ABOUT THE LORD’S SUPPER LATER IN THE CHAPTER?
I argued with God. I tried to reason with Him. “I’m doing the long hair thing – that is my womanly glory. Isn’t that enough?” I looked up all the different ways people interpret this passage. I dug deeper – or maybe more accurately, I tried to find a way around what God was asking me to do.
I heard from many pastors that I trust that head-covering was a “cultural thing” and that it no longer applies to us these days.
That didn’t really make sense to me since Paul referred to the line of spiritual authority and headship between God>Christ>Man>Woman, the creation order of man and woman and to angels as the reason for women needing to have their heads covered – and as a sign of their husband’s spiritual authority over them. Those reasons don’t seem “cultural” at all to me.
I couldn’t help but see as I studied the topic that women in the church had covered their heads to pray/prophesy for over 1900 years. Many Christian women covered their heads ALL the time so that they could “pray properly” at any moment, giving proper respect to the “head” of their household – their husbands. It wasn’t until the rise of feminism in the 1960s that women began to abandon head coverings when they prayed and went to church.
WE KNOW BETTER THAN GOD
It hit me.
The reason the symbol of a head covering is no longer “culturally relevant” to us is that we ditched the God-given authority of our husbands.
We threw out God’s system of authority so we no longer “needed” a symbol of their authority. We decided that we didn’t want God’s ways. They were “oppressive,” “sexist,” “patriarchal,” “archaic” and “irrelevant” to the modern woman.
(I will completely concede that there were women who were abused and terribly mistreated by men when men had total power and control over their wives. I believe that was a terrible injustice against women and that those husbands are being held accountable for their abuse of their authority by our just and holy God. Abuse or tyranny is not what God desires for us either. Ephesians 5:22-33 shows God’s beautiful design for marriage.)
So, in the 1960s, we as a culture, even in the church, mostly ditched respect for our husbands, teachers, pastors, government leaders and respect for parents. The feminist movement, the hippies and war protesters in the 60s and 70s gave us “freedom from authority” that God had put in place over us for our protection, our benefit, our provision and to guide us in His ways.
Now it is all about ME. What I want. What I think is best. Who cares about authority anymore? We want FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE!
HOLY ANGER
Then I started to feel angry. Really angry – a righteous anger that surfaced when I saw with horror how much our generation has been robbed as women, how much we have lost – the wisdom of God we haven’t known, the design of God for our marriages, femininity, mothering… that is completely foreign to many of us. The generations before us dropped the ball. We are paying the price and the price is astronomical. Look at the state of our marriages today – and our churches. 😦 Even my own marriage has paid dearly for my unquestioning acceptance in the past of these worldly, ungodly attitudes that spit in the face of God-given authority and that teach us to brazenly say, “I know better than my husband! I know better than God! I’m in charge here! I don’t have to listen to You, God! I’m doing things MY way!”
HOW DEEP IS MY OBEDIENCE?
My philosophy now is to embrace God’s Word and obey Him. He is my Lord, after all! His wisdom is higher than mine as the heavens are higher than the earth. How can I say, “No!” to my Lord and King, to the Love of my life? So, I am sharing my journey on this topic, because I believe it will honor God for me to do so. I am definitely not seeking the approval of people. If I were, I would certainly NOT write about this. I have read all the sides of the debate on this issue and I realize it is extremely controversial for many women. But for me it comes down to, “Will I obey God when He asks me to do something or will I insist on doing things my way?”
When I did things my own way in marriage, didn’t understand respect well at all, and took over the helm of my marriage – I made a HUGE mess of things! I did not have the intimacy I longed for. I was lonely, stressed, worried, critical, negative, unhappy and prickly to live with. I was not a godly woman in many respects. My life, my attitudes, my words, my actions did not honor God many times. My husband was unplugged and passive. Our marriage was a far cry from representing the very great mystery of Christ and His church.
I actually wasn’t angry about the order of authority in I Corinthians 11. In fact, I welcomed God’s authority structure in my life because I had already discovered that His way of doing things brought me such peace. I accepted that God had placed my husband over me as my covering, my provider, my authority, my protector. That wasn’t hard for me because I had accepted that when I started to study respect and biblical submission over a year earlier.
What was hard for me was to hear that God was asking me to put something on my head when I prayed. I didn’t want to. It was weird. I didn’t see anyone else doing it. (Well, maybe a few ladies at my large church wear hats, but only a handful out of over 2000 people.) I didn’t want to look weird. It was inconvenient. It was uncultural these days. YUCK. “Do I really have to, God? That is going to be such a pain!”
ASHAMED
Then I realized how incredibly shallow I must have sounded to God. Christ was willing to die a very humiliating and excruciating death in my place. If it brings glory to Christ and honor to my husband somehow for the angels and for Him to see me pray with a hat or a scarf or something on my head – then who am I to say to God, “I won’t make that sacrifice for You. You’re not worth it to me. My faith in You doesn’t go far enough for me to be willing to do what You ask – even if it is something as simple as putting a hat or scarf on my head.”
OUCH.
RESOLVED
So I decided that if God asked me to do this, I would obey Him. I prayed about it and asked God to give me favor with my husband and then asked the my husband if he would be ok with me covering my head with a scarf to honor his authority over me at home when I pray and during prayer at church – and I was COMPLETELY SHOCKED when he said, “That’s fine.”
WHAT?? REALLY??? Are you sure you heard my question??
Well, THAT was a God thing right there. “OK, God. I will obey You. Even if no one else does.”
Am I saying you have to do this, precious wife, beloved of God? Well… I don’t believe this is really about me and you. It’s about your relationship with God. I am not here to tell you what to do, but to pray that God might open your eyes to a spiritual practice we as women have lost and to expose you to God’s Word and the benefits of obedience to Him. Your decision is up to you! You don’t answer to me. We all answer to God.
WHAT IF THAT PASSAGE TRULY IS ONLY FOR THE 1st CENTURY NOT US?
You know, if somehow it’s a “mistake” for me to cover my head when I pray now – if God says to me when I see Him in heaven, “Oh, I accidentally let that passage slip into the Bible. That was a mistake. I didn’t mean for you to have to do that.” Then what have I lost? The only thing I can see that I lose is that I might look a bit strange when I pray. Not really that big of a deal! It doesn’t really cost me much to do this.
Even if God didn’t care that much about me covering my head because He didn’t think it was culturally relevent in 2013 – wouldn’t He be honored by my obedient and willing attitude to do what the Bible instructed me to do? And wouldn’t my husband be honored that I am accepting and honoring his God-given authority over me? I believe that God honors my obedience and my desire to obey Him. That obedient attitude on my part matters much more to God than what is on my head, I am sure. I am confident that He will be pleased with my desire to honor Him.
WHAT IF GOD’S WORD, INCLUDING 1 CORINTHIANS 11, ACTUALLY DOES APPLY TO ME TODAY?
What if God DID intend to have that passage of scripture in the Bible? What if He in His sovereignty meant for those verses to be there – and I decided to disobey Him? What if I waved away God’s commands by using an excuse that “Oh, no one does that anymore. Surely I am exempt from this command of God’s Word.” How would I answer to Him when I refused to do something so small? How could I defend myself? What excuse would I have that would hold water with the King of kings and Lord of lords? I couldn’t come up with any.
I believe that God honors and blesses my obedience to Him – even when I don’t understand why He might be asking me to do something. Even if it is unpopular. Even if I am the only one following Him.
THE BLESSINGS OF COVERING MY HEAD WHEN I PRAY
I was not prepared for the blessings I would experience as I obeyed God about covering my head during my private prayer time and at church during prayer.
- It is SO MUCH EASIER for me to have the proper attitude toward my husband’s authority over me when I pray knowing I have a symbol of his authority on my head. It helps me assume a proper mindset in prayer, a proper mindset toward my husband, and a proper mindset toward God.
- I tend to be much more humble and grateful for my husband when I pray and cover my head, knowing that God has placed my husband over me to protect, guide and lead me.
- I respect my husband more as I pray. And when I approach God out of a sense of respect (for my husband and his leadership), THEN I see prayers answered in mighty and miraculous ways that I never saw when I was being disrespectful toward God and my husband in prayer. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE KEY TO AN EFFECTIVE AND POWERFUL PRAYER LIFE! It’s not that a piece of cloth is magical, or that God doesn’t hear me if I pray without covering my head – but it definitely affects my attitude and posture in prayer and helps keep me from being too prideful. I could be legalistic about it. But that’s not the point. It is my attitude in prayer and toward my husband that matter most to God. The outer symbol is a reminder largely for my own benefit, but also for my husband’s benefit and the angels.
- I feel so much more spiritually connected and close to my husband when I put a scarf or hat on my head and pray alone at home. Somehow, having a symbol on my head reminding me of my husband’s authority and protection over me makes me feel much more secure in his love and in God’s love, and helps me to rest more in my husband’s love and God’s love.
- Putting something on my head before I pray is a daily and continual reminder of the importance of my husband’s authority over me and helps me to maintain the proper perspective about our relationship, it helps me to respect my husband more.
- When my husband sees that I put a sign on my head signalling my willingness to recognize his authority over me – his confidence as the spiritual leader in our family is bolstered and he is reminded of the profound responsibility he has before God to lead me and our children in God’s ways. Men are visual creatures. When my husband sees my willingness to honor him before God in this way, it speaks powerfully to his soul.
THE MYSTERY OF THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD THAT ARE TOO WONDERFUL FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND
Even apart from the blessings I have seen in covering my head during prayer… there are the things Paul himself listed in this passage of scripture.
- Somehow, my covering my head to show my acceptance of my husband’s leadership and authority over me impacts the angels in heaven.
- Somehow my willingness to cover my head shows my respect for God’s order of headship and spiritual authority which is important to Him.
- Somehow my covering my head covers my hair – my glory so that MY glory is not being seen during prayer. My husband’s head is to be uncovered because he represents the glory of Christ. Woman is the glory of man. Man’s glory is to be covered during prayer. This is how God desires our worship and prayer to look in order to serve His purposes and glorify Him.
- My covering my head has something to do with the order of creation with man being created first and woman being created for man, not man for woman. Like God was first (of course, He always was, He was never created) and people were created for God, not God for people.
These are some very intense mysteries of God that I humbly acknowledge I don’t begin to understand. I don’t know how a piece of cloth matters exactly. There are things going on in spiritual and heavenly realms that are impacted by my willingness to wear a sign of my husband’s authority on my head. So I believe it is wise for me to follow God’s prescription for me, even though I don’t really understand it. Thankfully a patient can take a prescription that a doctor orders and it works if she takes it properly and follow the doctor’s directions even though that patient might have no idea what is happening pharmacologically or biochemically in her body. The prescription works apart from our understanding – as long as we take the medicine. I think the commands of God are like that, too. My obedience is required, not my understanding, in order to benefit and to honor God.
ISN’T THIS LEGALISTIC?
It is possible to make any act of obedience to God legalistic – prayer, Bible reading, going to church, respecting my husband, loving other people, tithing, dressing modestly. The key is my motive. If I desire to honor and please Christ, that is not legalism, it is joyful, willing obedience. God wants me to do the right thing for the right reason.
An UPDATE 9-4-2014:
I used to just put a scarf over my head at home or at church when I prayed. A few months ago, Greg decided it would be fine for me to wear a hat to church. I love it! At home, I still use a scarf when I pray. I don’t personally cover full time. Although, if Greg was in favor of it, I would be happy to. I seek to honor him in the way I live out obedience to this passage.
Lord,
I pray we would be women of obedience, faith and who are filled with the full power of the Holy Spirit who boldly profess the Word of God and who lead many to Christ! Use us to set a godly example in our marriages and families. Let us be willing to make any sacrifice to be obedient to You. Change us! Make us the holy, godly, beautiful women You desire us to be! Let us give ourselves completely to You, holding nothing back!
Thank You for the authority of God over Christ, and the authority of Christ over our husbands and the authority of our husbands over us. Thank You that we have direct access to Christ and God through Jesus’ blood. Thank You for revealing the paths that lead to Your greatest blessings in our spiritual lives and in our marriages and families. Give us ears to hear Your voice! Give us hearts that are willing and eager to obey You in all things! Use us to honor You and bring great glory to Your Name and the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Amen!
RESOURCE:
The Peaceful Wife 
It’s really interesting that head covers disappeared with the rise of feminism, I hadn’t put the two together before in my mind. Your obedience to Christ is encouraging, I feel the same awkwardness, but if that’s what the bible says then why aren’t we doing it? Pride just isn’t a good enough reason.
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The problem with those who are against head covering for woman is that they deceive themselves. The writer said it very nicely, be safe, cover your head, you won’t disappoint God. But if you don’t cover up, it looks like you will disappoint Him. No matter what anyone tells you, go the safe route. No one can take you to heaven, but anyone can lead you to hell. May Yahweh bless thee.
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Maybe because many are still looking to man and not God? Maybe many listen more to man than God, so they justify themselves? And yes, good old pride and not wanting to be different or stand alone…
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I love this! I found myself agreeing through out. Literally shaking my head. What really IS wrong with a scarf?! It certainty would be something different.
Thank you for this spiritual thought!
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I have to agree with Sis! Your obedience is so encouraging. It’s my favorite debate. Many people misinterpret what it means, and it’s disappeared with feminisim. An unfortunate result of being regarded as a lower class. Not what the Lord wants for us. Thank you for your encouragement. As I am learning and trying to be a more obedient wife for my husband, letting go of the reigns.
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I was all ready to go put on my hat, then I told my husband about it. Here is his take. He says that Paul was speaking to a very specific church in Corinth. At that time, there was a temple where women were prostitutes and used their hair to symbolize their prostitution. He said that people were mistaking the women from the church as prostitutes because of their hair. This was hurting the gospel message so much that it was necessary for them to cover their hair just so people wouldn’t think that they were prostitutes. Their husbands “having authority over them” meant that they belonged to someone and weren’t available for prostitution.
I still don’t think it is a bad idea to wear hats, but it is good to know the context of the verse.
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Sis,
Thanks for sharing your husband’s response! I am so proud of you for taking it straight to your husband to get his take.
I definitely understand that in that particular culture, having an uncovered head had far more implications than it does in our culture today. And your husband’s view is probably the most popular Christian viewpoint of this passage that I have seen.
If Paul had said, “Cover your head when you pray so that people don’t think you are a prostitute.” Then it would have been really obvious that it was a cultural thing to me.
My concerns are that the arguments Paul gave were very weighty, non-cultural, theological arguments. And then at the end of the passage in vs 16, he says, “If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice – nor do the churches of God.” So the veiling of women during prayer, in my understanding, was to be done in all the churches. And Christian women did cover their heads during prayer for over 1900 years. In fact, Christian women in many cultures today still do cover their heads to pray. Many of them look at American Christian women and wonder why we don’t!
Still – this is an issue that a wife would want to discuss with her husband. If my husband was extremely opposed to me covering my head in church, and he felt disrespected by an act that is supposed to show respect, then I may have to only cover my head in private prayer times and pray that God would give me wisdom to honor Him and my husband. There are many ways this may pan out in individual marriages. It would be something to pray about and hash out how to handle it in your marriage between you, God and your husband. I certainly do not claim to have all the answers for every situation. Our husband’s God-given authority is a gift to be treasured and respected. So no matter what we decide on this issue, we must be respectful of our husband’s leadership and God’s system of authority over us.
Thanks for the comments, Sis!
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You’ve got a good point! Maybe regardless of the culture, Paul intended this to be for all Christian women.
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Sis,
That is my understanding. But of course, there are many who will disagree.
I appreciate your thoughts and comments so much! I am glad we can discuss these things, even if we reach different decisions in our marriages.
For me, I had to go through the Bible and ask God to teach me His design for me as a wife and as a woman and just start all of my understanding from scratch a few years ago!
I don’t want us to drop the ball. I pray God will show us how to be the women He wants us to be, even if that looks radical in our culture.
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Hi April,
Wow, love this post, so glad to see your biblical thinking here. I’ve mulled this one over for several years. I’ve heard the cultural relevancy argument but I don’t buy it. What’s cultural about the angels? Nothing. In my research on this issue, I discovered that in artwork that depicted historical Christians, women were always shown with head coverings and even veils. I came to the same conclusion you did. When I was a little girl, many ladies still wore hats to church, although anything that symbolized submission and respect for authority as well as acceptance of roles related to gender was slowly being phased out. So I’m in complete agreement with you.
I do have a heads up of sorts though in case anyone else encounters this. The scripture says that the flesh lusts against the Spirit and also that the flesh hates God. Be prepared for the possibility of a sudden rise up of spiritual pride or even rebellion or finding the wrong attitude inflamed instead of the right one you are seeking.When I first encountered this, I assumed that it was because I was trying to be righteous via outward means; the flesh loves outward religion so I figured the flesh was getting a bit of a religious fix out of my desire to wear a covering and be feminine and obedient. Which it probably was. I was quite discouraged and thought I was being legalistic which was certainly the take on it my then church. The flesh is quite happy for you to wear long dresses and hair and a head covering ,whether it merely looks like a scarf or is an out and out full covering and veil, as long as you stay on the level of the outward appearance but avoid dealing with the heart issues of pride, lack of obedience and humility, etc. I think now that I had never seriously provoked my flesh by attempted any real break with the world and its culture beyond the first day I surrendered to Christ, attempted to walk right and then when the flesh fought back, succumbed after a few rounds. So since then the flesh has been snoring complacently, not too worried about anything really upsetting its apple cart.
I went to church with a woman who wore very humble clothing and a hat . She was also very submitted to her husband. Her clothes were simple skirts and blazers; she didn’t look awful nor did she look flashy. In fact there was something about her manner of dress that forced you to focus on her as a person. She did not announce to the rest of us that she was wearing a hat to be obedient nor push it on others. She just obeyed God quietly without making a fuss about it . I think she was wise.
Thank you for a good article, did me good to read this today and rekindled my desire to walk right.
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Patricia,
So many great points. We MUST be careful about our motives. It is absolutely possible to wear outward things to “show off” how “righteous” or “spiritual” we are. But God looks at the heart. We must have hearts of true humility, submission to Christ, submission to our husbands, seeking to honor and glorify God alone.
I love the example you shared about the woman you knew. How beautiful!
Thank you so much for sharing!
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YES!!! The Holy Spirit has placed this on my heart lately. Right when I said, God let your will be done in me….I totally turned the tables and thought but hat if this is to bring me glory or praise? The holier than thou persona? That’s definitely not why, but it hit me…Following God isn’t the easiest path, and being submissive is hard for me. This article says everything that I feel. Now to be obedient…how do I begin? Prayer…and support. Which this page does…thank you!!
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But what about the part of that same scripture about the angels? There are many takes on this but I don’t think God would have included the part about the angels if it was just about prostitution. I think it goes deeper than that.
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Amen! interesting post! love the research u included.
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Peaceful — I appreciate your post and took the liberty of re-blogging it on my own wee blog, ronfurg.wordpress.com.
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Ronfurg,
Thank you for your support!
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What a wonderful blog. Full of great thought provoking ideas. I have long been looked at as being not the “weird” side of Christianity because of my long held belief that if we really believed what the Word said wouldn’t we really live our lives differently. My main focus for this belief comes from the ideas the the power of the life and death is in the tongue and we have what we say. But now after reading your blog this gives me more cause for seeking God’s plan and truly following it. Thanks for your insight.
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Your writing reminds me of Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin, and her submission to her Spouse, her true Husband, the Holy Spirit. She is the greatest, most obedient disciple of Christ. She is always depicted with her head covered.
All nuns used to wear the head covering of the habit, and lay women wore head coverings in Church. Since the feminist movement this is seen less and less, but has not been totally lost.
Unlike the angels or the animals, we were created to be both spiritual AND material beings. Therefore, material objects serve a purpose in prayer and worship. God knows this. Some Christians have an attitude of “spiritual = good, material = bad. But, they are both good in proper form. You said:
“I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE KEY TO AN EFFECTIVE AND POWERFUL PRAYER LIFE! It’s not that a piece of cloth is magical, or that God doesn’t hear me if I pray without covering my head – but it definitely affects my attitude and posture in prayer and helps keep me from being too prideful.”
That is similar to what my tradition refers to as a “sacramental.” Things like holy water, medals, rosaries, etc. are not magical, superstitious things. They affect the attitude and prayer life of the believer who knows their rightful purpose.
Peace.
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thank you for your insights, Thomas! This is definitely the kind of thing that we sinful humans could turn into a legalistic or “religious” thing and use it to judge others or be prideful about ourselves.
But when the believer is acting out of obedience and a desire to honor God and marriage, then I believe it is a very beautiful thing and a constant reminder to keep godly priorities and attitudes in place.
Thank you so much for sharing!
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I am single christian woman and I grew up seeing a group of women go from wearing coverings to not wearing them through the belief that it was out of tradition.. I received the gift of the Holy Ghost my freshman year in college 3 years ago and the Lord dealt with me while reading the scripture as well… I cover my head regardless of me being single. I received the holy ghost at a church I’m attending while in college and when I came home for the first summer break I went to service without my head covered because I was “ashamed, embarrassed” that I was going to be the only one with my head covered the Lord convicted me and I sat in the service convicted because I knew that I was wrong. When I got home I covered my head I repented to the Lord wept and he told me “to remain consistant”! No matter what others think holiness is still right! God has a standard, through the Holy Ghost if we allow it to lead it gives us an understanding of his truth and he is the word and his word=truth. I just love the fact that you are addressing truth. Understand I am 22 years old and it pains me because God has dealt with me concerning order that he created the man to lead to be the high priest and yet there are so many woemen wanting to be out of order…God has order he has blessed both the man and the woman but we each have or designated roles we as individuals are held accountable and it is us that will give account if we are disbodient all unrighteousness is sin… revelation says nothing that shall make a lie (Rev 21:27) shall enter into his holy temple. I just pray that the Lord continues to bless you I was so moved by your testimony I picked up the phone to call one of the elder’s at my church because only God can move our hearts as he has done me as he has done you… I’m reading a book called changed into his image by Jim berg… and today’s chapter talked about how we must be dependent upon God through humility… We know nothing, we cannot give life, we live, move have our being because of Jesus Christ.. So my prayer today was Lord clothe me with humility and what I read today in your blog is an example of just that humility… No matter what people say I want to be that daughter of sarah, pray like hannah and work like ruth to be blessed with Boaz that submits to God and we can grow to be in the perfect stature of Christ! God bless you
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I believe you are right in your observation. I believe the Holy Spirit gave you divine understanding of this because you were ready to accept it. I was already married when I found this and the OP is right, it’s a great way to “keep us humble” we are used to controlling everything, for the most part in our lives, it it is sooo easy to let that spill into our marriage and our place there in. Aside from that, we can also agree that it is for ALL Godly women. If one rung is missing in a ladder it is still very much a ladder.
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Reblogged this on Sown in Tears reap in Joy and commented:
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. This blog is a wonderful testimony of Humility… God desires us to be in his will and through humility he brings sanctification to his believers(holy ghost filled/baptized).
The Lord dealt with me about covering my head after receiving the Holy Ghost which is why I love this testimony. Our souls will be blessed as we continue being hungry and thirsty after righteousness: for they shall be filled… I hunger and thirst for righteousness and his truth to be in his will Lord clothe me in humility that I may obey your word- In Jesus name -Amen
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I have contemplated the head-covering issue alot over the years. I came from a church background that was very issue-orientated (perhaps legalistic) and had to re-evaluate many things in my desire for healing, freedom, joy and ability to share Jesus Christ with others without the influence of others’ strong personalities and opinions that had me in ‘spiritual knots’ because it was all so complicated with all the ways I could be offending God. I have never found any paticular verse or explanation that could make me feel comfortable not wearing a head-covering though, specifically when publicly praying or prophesying (or in my case, teaching). Note: I often experienced what I perceived as the Lord’s guidance through a verse, concept or other influence that ‘set me free’ from other ‘convictions’, for example, leaven in the Communion portraying Christ as having sin and therefore an offence to him (for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost..) but never anything that seemed to justify not wearing a head-covering, despite how simpler it would have been… from my human perspective anyway. I did quit wearing a head-covering in my home, feeling that a submissive and humble attitude was the only re-quirement as Paul’s context seemed to be a woman’s public testimony and awareness of her submissive role as protection from spiritual entities/angels. Will re-evaluate and pray about that again though. For now, I am just very thankful to be somewhere where I am not making others uncomfortable or offended by wearing a head-covering for the Lord’s Supper etc. although not everybody does. I have often wore hats (not the old-fashioned Baptist-style ones- no offense to those who still wear these quaint accesories)so as not to alienate or freak out friends and acquaintances when I am giving the gospel or inadvertently teaching in someway, but I no longer stick my hand on my head in a crunch when I quote or share something spiritual with a friend or acquaintance spontaneously. By common sense, it has occurred to me that my God is not that riduculous or small. Anyways, I found your post refreshing and encouraging. May we always be open and teachable for the Spirit of God without being contentious and legalistic or judging others. Love in Christ.
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Michelle,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, journey and feelings on this difficult subject!
I don’t always cover my head every single time when I pray. Whenever it is possible, I do, but sometimes I don’t have a scarf and I want to pray, so i go ahead and pray! I asked my husband about if I should keep my head covered all the time – and he didn’t feel that was necessary. I would have done it if he wanted me to. But I don’t want to be disrespectful of my husband as I am trying to show respect – if that makes sense? But I do pray many times throughout the day, so I could see where always being covered would be rational and practical.
I cover my head when I am purposely having my quiet time and at church during prayer – unless my little girl stole my scarf and is laying on it – then I don’t worry about it and just check my attitude. I haven’t been in a teaching position since this issue has come up – but I have thought about that I would probably need to wear a hat. I don’t want to be legalistic about it, and something like this could DEFINITELY become a battle ground of legalism.
For me, this issue is similar to modesty – it is the humility and attitude of the heart that I believe is the primary thing. I don’t think that lists of rules and hemlines or mandating hats or scarves is the answer at all. But I do think that when we cover our heads out of respect for God, His Word and our husband’s authority over us – it is a beautiful thing to God and somehow to the angels in heaven. Just like when we cover our bodies out of reverence for God and a desire to prevent ourselves from causing our brothers to stumble into temptation – I think that is a beautiful thing to God, too!
I personally struggled SO MUCH with learning what respect meant and learning to respect my husband that when I began covering my head during prayer it REALLY helped me tangibly focus on the fact that my husband has spiritual authority in our marriage, not me. I need that reminder. Often. I am SO easily tempted to take over and try to control – or I used to be. God has changed me and I am INCREDIBLY THANKFUL EVERY DAY!
Do I judge women who don’t cover their heads during prayer? Nope. This is a very personal issue between them, God and their husbands. But I do think it is worth thinking about, considering and praying about. Even though it is such a “small” thing – I think what the covering symbolizes is extremely important in our walk with God and in our marriages!
May God richly bless your walk with Him, your marriage and your ministry!
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Hi there! Couldn’t find out how to leave a comment without replying to someone else’s, so here I am. 🙂 I saw this linked to your recent blog and was so happy and encouraged reading it! I love the Lord!!
About 3 years ago He posed a question to me after getting a hair cut and loving it. (My hair still reached mid-back.) Out of the blue, He asked me, “What about headcoverings?” ????? What about headcoverings? ????? Why? So thus began my week long struggle of searching and accepting the Scriptures on that topic. (He had posed other questions to me out of the blue, in the past, such as Halloween.)
I studied, reasoned, prayed, and asked my husband. After talking it through with him, he said he would be fine with me wearing a covering. Then to research and find out HOW to wear them. My 10-year old daughter saw me on day one of wearing a scarf and said she liked it. Then I explained to her and my sons why I was wearing it. Like you, I didn’t and still don’t fully understand the wonderful reasons and meanings behind it, but if that’s what God wants me to do, then I’m going to do it.
My daughter asked if she needed to wear one. I told her she would need to study and pray and talk to God about it. It was something she needed to figure out for herself. After looking at the passage, she told me it is talking about women. I told her that is true, yet we have always taught our sons, no matter how young, to pray with their heads uncovered. But I would support her either way. After wrestling with it, she came to me, crying, and said she would do it to honor her father and show his authority. My husband has never required that we do this, but we do it because we love God and trust His Word.
The first year, I wore a headcovering daily. The first week I was too embarrassed to look anyone in the eye out in public. But after that week, I started to feel more comfortable than I had before to talk to strangers. I felt more protected, and I could just share Christ’s love without worry of what people might say or think. It became easier for me to be around non-Christians than it was for me to be around my own church family. They had thought I was going too far, and it was a cultural thing that didn’t apply to us.
Some had told me they thought about wearing one, but they just don’t look good in them. That broke my heart! I don’t wear a headcovering because I think it’s flattering. Why would we be so concerned with vanity that we would choose it over God? I don’t dress in the fashions of our society. I dress to please God and honor my brothers and sisters by not drawing attention to my body. I pray that others would have the same heart and wear what God would choose for them to wear. (This was another area that I had to wrestle through!)
These last two years I’ve just mainly wore a headcovering on the Sabbath if we are meeting others, or any day that we are having a Bible study with others. (We currently aren’t attending church, but I also would wear one to church.)
My son’s high school graduation was on a Saturday, and I was torn about wearing one that day because we would be presenting our son with his diploma on stage, and I didn’t want to be distracting with a headcovering. That morning I prayed that God would give me a sign as to what He wanted me to do. If He wanted me to wear one, then I asked that I would see an image of a lady wearing one. I figured I might see one on the internet, either in the news or through ads (I get ads for coveryourhair.com). Checked my emails, looked at news, and didn’t see anyone with a headcovering.
My husband had to run to the store, so I went with him. As we were walking down the main aisle, talking, I looked down another aisle and saw a woman in a headcovering!! My heart stopped and I was stunned! I lost my train of thought, and stumbled over my words. In my heart I was rejoicing because I knew God had answered my prayer, and He wanted me to wear a headcovering that day.
So since then (June), I have been praying more about whether He wants me to cover more frequently. His answer to me has been yes, and I am seeing more and more women covered (although the majority are wearing a Muslim style covering).
But I rejoice in His love for me and His desire to have that relationship with me! And I love hearing about other women following His ways!!!!
Thank you for sharing your heart, your joys, and your struggles with us. You are an encouragement to us!
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I was really touched by your post Leslie and your desire to please God and not man and your humility. Thank you for sharing, it has helped me. Blessings, Alison Joy
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Hi Alison Chapman,
Glad to meet you! 🙂 I am usually quiet and don’t share all that God is putting on my heart or doing in my life, but He has been showing me how much encouragement we give to each other when we do. I am glad you have been helped by my sharing, and you have encouraged me by yours!
God has given us so many blessings and done unbelievable things in our lives. He is showing me how we honor Him and give Him glory when we let others see how He is working in our lives. My husband is very quiet, humble, and reserved. It is hard for both of us to tell others of our blessings, even though I sometimes want to shout from the rooftop, because we don’t want others to feel bad if they may be struggling in the areas where we have received abundant blessings, if that makes any sense. If I know it is one of those sensitive areas for my husband, then I have to contain myself and keep God’s blessings in my heart.
But I am learning and praying how to share my personal blessings with friends whom I feel will be motivated and encouraged by His story in my life. And I am being encouraged by their sharing. Wow, I guess this is how you build each other up and form close friendships. No wonder I’ve never had very close friends until I met my husband! I’m still learning how to cultivate meaningful friendships with others.
Not sure why I rambled on about all this, but anyways, glad to meet another sister in Christ!
Blessings,
Leslie
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Leslie,
I am so glad you are sharing!!! Your love for Christ is so beautiful. It is obvious God is doing powerful things in you. Thank you for shining for Him!
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Leslie,
Aw! Thank you so very much for sharing your story. 🙂 I love hearing how different women tackle this passage and pray and what God and their husbands share with them.
You are such a blessing!!!! It is a pleasure to meet you. 🙂
I can’t wait to see all that God has in store for you and your family.
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I was born and raised in a Christian home, and I dont ever remember seeing women covering their heads in church. My mother and I were just talking about when she stopped seeing heads being convered, and I find it ironic to see this post just days later of our conversation. I am very glad I read this; even though I am not married yet, I can see this helping me with my future husband as we share our lives together.
i completly had to agree with you with the topic of women ditching respect. At first I felt like the world, “This is old and outdated, it doesint apply to me.” but the more I read, the more I felt like God was tugging at me. I deffinitly felt like God wanted me to read this.
Thank you for posting =)
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unmarried females should cover their head to show they are under their fathers submission, and after marriage their husband, that is what I have been taught 😉
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I haven’t been taught that, but after reading just the text and applying some simple logic, it seems that it is an “all women” thing, just as (all) men are to be uncovered (not just the husbands)
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Thanks for posting this, April.
I’ve covered my head for several years now, and have experienced many of the same blessings you have named. I really struggled with submission because I was used to leading in my marriage and other relationships, and it helped me to remember to honor my husband and respect God’s design for our marriage. My husband is nonbeliever, so it has also been a comfort and a powerful reminder to me that scripture says our husbands can be won over to the Lord by our (submissive, respectful) conduct.
For those whose husband’s disagree with covering, I think the best thing to do is to obey him, ask them to study and pray about it, and then pray that the Lord will change their heart. I wanted to cover full-time at first, but my husband disagreed, although he said I was free to cover for worship and at home alone. Over the years, he has decided I am free to cover any time, although he asks me to go with certain styles that are less “religious” looking when we are out together or around his friends and family.
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Oh Peaceful Wife, I love how you get the cogs of my obedience issues turning! I too use the ‘I have long hair’ excuse, and I too am feeling the very same GODLY ANGER you do when I think about the downfall of relationships since the liberated woman began poisoning the respect women should have towards their husbands and therefore God. Also the ignorance and lack of care factor this world can show towards the order of things righteously designed by our Father God. You described it so well!
You are truly gifted by the Holy Spirit and have stirred up in me a feeling I had forgotten, one which I used to experience with my Dad all the time. When ‘Making a fool of yourself for God” can bring such intimacy with Him and the scoffs from those around only seems to increase the intimacy!
Your words spoke to my spirit so much that when I read your concluding prayer I pulled my bedsheet over my head! 🙂
I then became perplexed by the trials of “ALWAYS” carrying a scarf or covering my head ALL the time, as I am in almost constant conversation with my Heavenly Father. Yet I must agree with the comments and the wonderful discussion that followed.
My belief concurs that God is all about the obedient heart that He can SEE is WILLING to obey, and the symbol of covering your head in certain circumstances connected perfectly with that. Sometimes we will and sometimes we won’t, but He will not hold against us the times we don’t, He will be so focused on the obedient heart of His child and the relationship being developed out of loving submission and not legalistic restriction.
Thanks again! Love it!
http://innerangelsandenemies.wordpress.com/
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I’m single, but I’m a learning a lot from your blog. I too, had been taught about the cultural significance of the head covering and the how the prostitutes of the day shaved their heads. But as I read your post, I could absolutely see God instructing women to do this. I don’t know if the instruction is just for you personally or for all women, but I honestly don’t have a problem with it. If God required it of me, I would obey. Thanks again for sharing. Looking forward to the book!!!
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Oh, April, you & I are a part of that sweetness that comes when Spirit joins Spirit! His annointing flows thru your writings and testimony. God has encouraged me so much thru you. Head covering is something I just dismissed because of previous teachings as quoted throughtout these comments. I am pondering this subject now. I so get everything you have written in your blog I have to wonder how I could not think differently on this subject. It makes sense, yes, maybe even resonates….what is that rearing up in me? excuses…excuses! Now that is something I reconize – spiritual warfare! My flesh attempting to dance with the enemy?? I’ll not have it! He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world!
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Wow April, I just linked back to this post from one of your recent posts and this is revolutionary! I totally get what you’re saying here. The mysteries of God are amazing. I am going to step out in faith with this one too…wow! awesome.
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Emily, Yes… it is! It’s time for us to pick up the ball and decide to define femininity, marriage, parenting, faith and family by God’s Word instead of unquestioningly accepting what our ungodly culture teaches us. It is totally revolutionary! Let me know how things go! This one thing REALLY helped me to keep a respectful attitude towards my husband’s God-given authority. It’s a great reminder for me.
Thanks for sharing!
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Emily,
I know this one seems totally insane to most women in 2012. But, it sure works for me! It’s such a great tangible reminder for me to respect my husband’s authority and take shelter in his covering over me. Let me know how it goes! It’s wonderful to meet you!
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Hello! I’ve been stumbling upon different blogs, looking for women of the same mind. I just began to headcover, as a personal conviction. The Lord directly told me to do so. It’s amazing. I feel so spiritually blessed, so much closer to God. I want to jump for joy, cry with joy, smile with joy. I have struggled with depression for so, so long and placing this simple garment upon my head has been such an answer to prayer. It’s a way to belong solely to God, to bow to his sovereignty, honor Him and my husband, lessen ME, uplift HIM, remind me of who I am in Christ so I can teach properly my children. Thank you for sharing your heart and example!! ~AMY
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Amy,
It is a very simple thing – but the meaning behind it is holy and profound. Covering my head when I pray really helped me to remember that my husband is my covering and to respect him and his leadership over me as I pray – instead of praying pridefully – like I sadly used to do!
I agree, covering my head when I pray has brought me much joy. It also helped me feel much closer to my husband spiritually even when we weren’t talking much a few years ago when I first started. Thank you for sharing your story and how this one little tiny act of obedience has blessed your walk with Christ and your marriage. 🙂
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Hi April, I just found this blog from your recent one on long hair, and it is so encouraging to hear what you have written!! A couple of years ago the Lord spoke to me about headcoverings for many of the reasons you have listed. It has been one of the hardest journeys, especially in regard to what other people might think….but I figured that the words in the Corinthian passage, ‘because of the angels’ was not a cultural thing but a spiritually relevant thing and that all scripture is relevant for todays living. I first covered my head with a friend praying and as we did we both received some revelation of the feminism within us and the need to ask for forgiveness. I now cover my head for prayer at home and during the church service prayers and any other prayers. A short while ago I asked the Lord to confirm that I was on the right track by covering my head as it often seems strange, by giving me one other woman who would cover her head in the church. He answered my prayer that week and now there is one more woman that covers her head! It has certainly created a storm as it brings up many emotions – especially within women, which I understand….but whenever I struggle with it, I remember that the Lord gave his life for me and my small act of obedience to his word and my loss of reputation if that be the case, is a way that I can honour him and in covering my glory, allow more of his glory to shine through….
I believe that the Lord is coming for a pure and spotless bride and as a church he is calling us to realign ourselves to his word and to take his word seriously so that it can again become powerful in our midst..
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Allison Joy,
Thank you for sharing your story! Yes, there are many women who REALLY hate this idea today. But it is such a small thing – and obedience to God’s Word always brings joy. You articulate my feelings exactly – remembering what Christ did for me and desiring to honor Him. Thank you so much! 🙂
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This is a very interesting post. Especially to see what God is doing all over the world. I am not in the US infact I live in China and God has recently convicted me to cover my head while praying. Infact right now its after church and I have like the only one covering my head there for months. It’s not easy. Most women would rather I don’t. I don’t say why I do it but I think many women guess as I am sure the spirit is working in the hearts of many people and those who choose to disobey would rather no one obeys so they are not convicted every time they see you. I was getting a little overwhelmed today and decided to google whether God has been leading others in the same way or I got it wrong, and I have to say I am highly encouraged. I am glad to have found this blog and I am sure God lead me directly to it. Thank you Jesus. Thank you too peacefulwife and continue in obedience. The Holy Spirit is doing a new thing in the body of Christ and I am sure as many obeys and finds themselves alone, they are going to be encouraged a lot by the footprints you have left behind. I didn’t realize that all this was lost with the advent of feminism, but the Holy Spirit has been leading me in the recent past to pray for obedience in the body of Christ especially the women. Because we are in rebellion, knowing what we should do but too ashamed and worried about what people will think to obey. Thank you for reminding us that Jesus suffered shame terrible shame for us, what is a little discomfort for His sake? Sometimes I get this picture in my mind that when God looks down on earth, He sees all these rebellious and disobedient children going about their business and it makes His feel bad and I always pray that He will lead me in the way of obedience such that when He looks down in the midst of rebellion and disobedience, He will see me in obedience and I will bring a smile to Him. May that be our prayer for there is a lot of rebellion in the body of Christ today. Will we stand up and be the ones to bring a smile to God in the midst of a rebellious world? It is a tall order and we cannot do it without Him, but He can lead us in the way of obedience. I am sure most of the people who have found this blog have been led here because God has seen their desire to please Him and May the Lord God richly bless all of you in Jesus name. Amen
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Kslita,
I am so glad to meet you!
Yes, there is much rebellion in the church today. I know it breaks God’s heart. I love that you are praying for the women of God to walk in obedience. Thank you for your prayers for the church and for your willingness to obey God, even in such a small way, even when no one else around you does.
May God richly bless your walk with Him!
Much love to you!
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Alison Joy and peacefulwife,
I was originally convicted about headcovering in 2008. I ordered some coverings I felt appropriate and began wearing at home in my quiet time. But they looked weird and I did not want to look weird. Pride. It was a huge struggle and I stopped. In the last 6 months or so I again was convicted. After much prayer and seeking I chose to wear a wide headband. I didn’t want to draw too much attention to myself or to come across as holier-than-thou. In my flesh I struggle that I am not covering my entire head, but the warfare that surrounds even that headband makes me realize it’s a symbol of authority. My flesh has so struggled with this but I am determined to obey. Sometimes I have a really difficult time putting it on but once it’s on the battle is over. There is a freedom once the covering is in place that cannot be denied. And even that headband (always in place when I’m at church because I was uncomfortable taking something on and off for prayer) has caused some stares and comments.
Peacefulwife, your journey seems to so parallel my own that it helps to confirm the conviction. The Lord is at work among His own. I surely do not grasp the significance of covering my head, but I don’t want anything to hinder my prayers in any way. Thank you!
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Sherry,
There is freedom and blessing in obeying God – even in something so seemingly “small.” 🙂
Two weeks ago, Greg bought some hats for me – and he decided he is ok with me wearing hats to church. I LOVED it these past two Sundays. I love that constant reminder that I am under Greg’s authority, covering and protection. I love living in obedience to God. It brings me great joy.
I am excited about what God is doing in your life! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and struggles. 🙂
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I was searching for answers as to why women today don’t cover their heads when they pray, when I ran across this page. I really believe in everything you are saying here. I have been thinking about covering my head when I pray, but wanted to make sure that I was doing the right thing by doing it. My question is, What if your husband is not being the head of the household as God want’s him to be? What if you (the wife) have to be the one in charge of your husband and everything else? I have that problem right now, and find it hard to submit as instructed, because my husband doesn’t lead, or protect, or provide.
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When I started covering my head, my husband had not yet begun to lead, he wasn’t protecting me and I was the major breadwinner in our family. I learned to step down and allow him to be in charge. I had to wait and be more patient than I had ever been in my life! But as you step down and show trust and faith in your husband, he will eventually begin to step up (unless he has serious issues like infidelity, major mental health issues that are uncontrolled or active drug/alcohol addictions).
What I learned is that covering my head helped me to begin to really practice respecting my husband on a deeper level – especially in my private prayer time. It also helped me approach God respectfully and speak about my husband respectfully. Not that a scarf or something is magic, but that tangible reminder was very important for me as I had so much to learn.
If your husband does not want you to cover your head at church, you can cooperate with his decision, and just cover when you pray at home. Some women do cover all the time – which I think is beautiful! But some husbands are not comfortable with that.
As you begin to approach God and your husband with respect, reverence, faith and trust – God will change you first. Then, in time, He will change your husband.
Check out this post:
A Husband Answers – Why Won’t My Husband Lead?
If you haven’t read it yet, check out what my husband wrote about his experience with me: When She Surrendered
I personally decided I would wait right where I was and not run ahead of God or my husband anymore and just sit there until I was 80 years old if that was God’s will.
I had to give up control. That was a huge idol for me!!!! I have so many posts about all of these issues. You may want to look at the blog timeline or search certain topics or key words on my home page.
I had to embrace waiting. A LOT.
I had to totally submit to Christ which I really hadn’t done before. I thought I was a strong Christian, but I really trusted myself – that is how I lived. I lived as if I was responsible for my life, my circumstances and everyone and everything around me. I lived as if I was sovereign, not God. I lived as if God was a tiny wimp – totally unable to do anything in my life. I worried. I was afraid a lot. I tried to make my husband do what I thought was right. I thought I was always right. I thought he was always wrong. 😦 I had SO MUCH PRIDE.
If you haven’t already, you also may want to read my “About” post on my home page, and the post about “Husbands Share what is Direspectful to Them” and the one about What is Respectful to Husbands – and Biblical Submission.
Let me know if you have more questions!
aprilc@sc.rr.com
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I have been learning a lot of things lately, not all of them for the first time unfortunately.
Someone said they believed their husband needed more than one reminder-I think mine is one of them. His mother told me that all through school he couldn’t get his work done without her being with him the entire time to help him remember and stay on task. I think he still is that way, but I am working on not being rude when I do remind. (that’s my baby step right now)
I am wondering what you mean by stepping down? I am trying to do what I can even though I am not good at it yet. I asked my husband what he expects me to do. He said he didn’t know. So, I tried a more direct approach. I asked him if he expected me to keep my job (its our primary income), he said yes. I asked him if he expected me to make meals, wash dishes, etc etc. He said yes. Then I told him I didn’t believe I could do all those things without getting sick from overworking myself. Then I said I trusted him to make good choices that would benefit the whole family, protect us, and lead us to follow the Lord the way we should according to his plan. He said he didn’t know if those things were true. I left it at that.
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K,
Some husbands that have ADD or memory loss or certain situations may need reminders. The key is to do it respectfully and only if THEY want the reminders.
The order of the questions you asked and then the statement about trusting him may have contributed to him thinking you were not genuine. If you say you trust him – you will have to put feet on that and be willing to cooperate with him and his decisions. If you believe you cannot do something, then, yes, say something like, “I want to work full time if you want me to, and I want to keep up with the meals, dishes, chores, childcare … but I am really overwhelmed right now. I can’t do all of this. What do you see that I can take off of my plate?” And he may need some time to think – that is ok!
You will need to take every opportunity to show him you trust his decision making after making that statement.
Are you handling the finances?
Are you making all the major decisions?
WHat could you give to your husband?
Much love to you!
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Thank you so much for this post. I want to do God’s perfect will this post has gotten me thinking. However, I want to find out, is it compulsory for a single girl to cover her hair while praying too. I will also like to know ur take on wearing trousers as a woman
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Edak,
Great to meet you! 🙂
It is my understanding that a woman covering her head shows that she has a sign of “authority” on her head – either her father or her husband.
I am not aware of there being provision for women not to cover their heads when they pray. And, until the 1960s – all Christian women covered their heads – often all the time.
I hope that might help! You could certainly cover your head when you pray at home in private if you want to show respect for your father’s authority over you.
The Old Testament said that women were not to dress like men and men were not to dress like women. The New Testament says we are to dress modestly as women and instead of lavish and expensive clothing and jewels, we are to have good deeds as our ornaments. Women didn’t wear pants until about 60-80 years ago.
There are no specific rules about modesty in the Bible. My suggestion is to ask your father – if he is a godly man – or a trusted godly brother about specific articles of clothing and whether they are modest or not. Generally, the more skin that shows – the more trouble many men will have with an outfit, and the tighter the fit of the clothing, the more temptation to lust.
I believe there are some pants that do not cling to the body that are flowing that may be appropriate. I believe that is something for you to pray about and seek God’s will and see what you believe He wants you to do. 🙂
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I have a similar story of reading 1 Cor. 11 of trying to find the Lord’s Supper and stumbling onto it. That was about 6 months ago and the Holy Spirit was asking me the question, “Why are we not practicing this?” I kinda asked some people at church, but was told it’s no longer relevant. Fast forward to a family camp we went to Labor Day weekend & I walk into the 1st service & I see women in head coverings. So, everything comes flooding back and I know this is the Lord speaking to me! I just today finished my study today & came to the conclusion that, yes, head covering is still relevant for Christian ladies today was
I have questions though, if you are able to? How was it going in to church for the 1st time? What kind of quick answer did you give to the people who asked questions? Has anyone else started to practice this?
Thank you for sharing your journey!
Rachel Charlton
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Rachel,
My husband allows me to put a scarf over my head during prayer. I remove it the rest of the time. I have asked him about wearing a hat or something, but this is what he prefers right now, so this is what I do. I was very self conscious the first time, but really, it hasn’t been a big deal.
One man made a comment that I looked like “Mother Mary” during prayer in our Sunday School class one time. People laughed. That has been the only comment. I did tell my Sunday School teacher what I would be doing the week before I started it. It was during class, and I didn’t say anything.
If my husband were ok with me wearing a covering all the time, I would. I wear a scarf when I pray at home during my quiet time.
Much love to you!
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I love your blog! It has blessed me so much.
In March of 2012, I was convicted to cover my head. It took me completely by surprise. I didn’t know what to think; it seemed to come out of the blue. I immediately looked up 1 Corinthians 11…the famous “Headcovering” chapter. I’ve read it before. I’ve always been taught that it was a cultural thing, and that if anything, a woman’s hair was to be her covering. Yet, I had this strong conviction to put something on my head. I didn’t have anything. I grabbed a bright orange pillow case and tied it like a bandanna and wore that while I studied this headcovering stuff.
I can’t describe the feeling that came over me when I put that thing on my head. There are no words. Peace? Humility? Excitement? Weirdness? All of those and more. I spent the next several hours researching. I read everything I could find about the subject. I read all the arguments for and against. I listened to countless sermons. I became convinced that this was what God was calling me to do. I went out the next day and bought some scarves.
I am the only Christian woman in my area that I know who covers. No one in my church does it. I am used to it now, but it was very scary in the beginning,
My husband is okay with me covering all the time, so I usually do. I cover full time as a reminder that I um under the authority and protection of my husband. It helps me to remember to pray without ceasing. It helps me to be modest and humble.
I now see it as an honour and a privilege to wear it. When I am not behaving in a godly manner, I feel ashamed to wear it. I feel like a hypocrite and that I am blaspheming. Those are the reasons I try to wear it all the time; rather than only during prayer/worship or prophesying/speaking the Word of God. I don’t think it is expressly commanded that it be worn all the time, but I have been led to do so. I am thankful that my husband allows it!
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Nik,
Yes, it was very scary for me in the beginning, too. I don’t cover all the time, although I would if my husband wanted me to. But those feelings you had all sound very familiar! Something about it also helped me very concretely to respect my husband and keep humility in mind and reverence for God as I prayed. I needed all the help I could get with respecting my husband – I know that many people today would think it is extremely weird, but I just wanted to obey God’s Word, honor God, honor my husband and figure out how to respect my husband.
I can totally see the advantages of covering full time. It is such a reminder of God’s commands to us as wives and women. And it definitely convicts when we are not acting in godly ways.
Thanks so much for sharing!
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Thank you for your blog. I’m in real turmoil right now. I recently read 1 Cor 11 and was convicted to wear a covering, but NO ONE at my church does this. The women lead meetings too, so why would God still bless these women if they are disobeying Him? I stepped out in faith even though I felt self conscious and I wore a hat on Sunday. I don’t think anyone would have realised what I was doing -yet. I’ve got a church meeting tonight and if I get a chance I’ll bring it up. My daughter is going through a similar thing. She wore a tichel on Sunday (she goes to a different venue to me, but same church). It all seemed cut and dried, but THEN I came across Cheryl Schatz’s blog about women in ministry and she seems to have very good explanations for why Paul spoke the way he did and how the bible translations don’t always show the right meaning. I’m all confused. What is the truth of this matter? I think the way to go right now, is to wear my hat until I’m sure. I want to honour the Lord. Have you or anyone here checked out Cheryl Schatz’s teachings? God bless.
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Catherine,
What does your husband think? I would suggest asking him and going with what he believes is best. 🙂
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Hi April, unfortunately my husband is an unbeliever, as is my daughter’s. We have had more peace about this, these last few days, and so we are going to continue wearing a head coverings (me a hat, my daughter a tichel) at meetings. Even though our husbands are not present at meetings or acknowledge God’s order of headship etc, we still want to bear witness to others (and the angels) of God’s order and plan. God bless, Catherine.
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He blesses them because He loves them as modern parents do their children even when they are sassy and disobedient. But how mich MORE, does He bless the women who do cover. How much MORE does He answer their prayers, honor their authority because they honor HIm and send angels to minister to them! You and your daughter are on the right track. Stay the course.
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What exactly counts for head coverings when speaking of scarves? I’m imagining the entire head covered but I have seen women wearing something that looks like a wide headband scarf. I am going to pray on this and speak with my husband but was looking for specifics.
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prayingwife79,
That would be something for you and your husband to decide. 🙂
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The word in the bible translates to veiling ,( for the artificial covering) and if you want I have my notes from when my husband taught on this and I can go deep into the translations 😉
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Thank you so much for going into the details of the translations. Without that, it can be difficult to understand this passage. 🙂
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As a child growing up my Mother has always cover her head when praying,even at times when she is not praying.
When i became born again in my teen years,I never go to
the house of the Lord with out my covering,or pray with out
it.I am a Pastor’s wife for 38 years,and i have seen lots of women stop covering up when they pray.I know for sure that covering up the head when praying is the bible way,
but what do you think,if we know that a woman should cover when they pray,a Pastor who knows that,should he
call on some one who is not covered to pray,or preach ?
the word with out her covering? I am Mel
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Mel,
It is great to meet you!
I am really sad that we have given up this symbol of covering our heads – and even more – that we have given up the respect for our husbands’ authority that it symbolizes.
I do hope that pastors might talk about this in church again. Of course, I am not in a position to tell a pastor what to do. I trust God to give each pastor wisdom about those issues.
Much love to you!
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1 corinthians 14 : 34- Let you women keep silent in the churches:for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law VS.35 – And if they will learn any thing , let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak out in the church.
Also 1 Timothy 2:8 – I will therefore that (the) men pray everywhere…in greek translates as male. men are to lead audibly in public prayer.women are to pray silently.
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When I was on missionary trips – in one nation it was NOT OK for women to wear jeans or any kind of pants because the inner thigh was considered very ‘sexy’. So we had to wear shorts AND long skirts. It felt so beautiful and feminine. We saw powerful miracles, healings and salvations of people as we ministered in the dirty streets and hospitals. In another nation, it was a SHAME for women to have their shoulders exposed – it was equivalent to being a prostitute. Again I happily dressed accordingly and we saw many saved and healings in the streets and hospitals. I have no qualms dressing to “be all things to all men so that some may be saved” and I don’t mind sticking something on my head to pray, and reminding me that my husband is my head, just not sure of it all – it says If it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven – and these days women shave their heads for fun and no one thinks anything of it. Paul said, “To those under the law I become as one under the law” and to those not under the law he became as those not under the law. He rebuked the churches in Galatians for trying to earn their salvation through the law yet he circumcised Timothy because the Jews knew his father was a Greek… I think it comes down to an attitude of the heart. I stuck a shirt on my head just now and prayed and I did feel a really safe nice feeling come on me and a respect for my husband out of nowhere. Not sure if I’m being weird or what but hey why not. I just think it’s got to be out of the right heart attitude and NOT out of religion
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D.,
Absolutely – motive is the most important thing with God. 🙂
I love your examples. Thank you so much for sharing!
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I’m not sure if I’ve understood right but I believe this scripture is more than cultural and that it is not just to remind us of our husband being the head…the bible says also that it is ‘because of the angels’ which is not cultural or something just to do with husbands… it is something more. I feel the world chooses many things such as women shaving heads but that is because it is at enmity with God but just because that is around us now, does not make it the rule of thumb as the bible tells us a woman’s hair is her glory..
I believe the scriptures are timeless as they are inspired by the Spirit and hold us in good stead while the world chooses it’s own path. Could it not also be an attitude of obedience to the Word of God?
God bless you, I appreciated hearing about your wonderful mission trips.
x
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Peacefulwife can you talk about shamfacedness, its in Timothy 1 Timothy 2:9 this is king James version
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
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The Greek New Testament says that means modesty towards men and reverence to GOD….
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Thanks, geogypsy68!!! I would SO LOVE to be able to read Greek!
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Your welcome, firstly I want to say that my husband was born on the mission field in Papua New Guinea , his father a missionary, and then himself being called to
Preach at the age of 20 , he is now almost 53 and he has much knowledge in scripture , and with that being said , we have bible classes Monday -Saturday with us and our workers and also our own private readings of psalms daily. And his mum is a greek. 😉 however I myself cannot read greek , I have a bible program called “sword searcher ” and I love. , you should check it out 😉 when my husband teaches he does teach the translations from Greek & Hebrew , and I know what he has taught me , which is not enough 😉 I am thankful for what my LORD has allowed me to
Learn about HIS word and I pray daily for more knowledge of it.
I don’t have much fellowship with women here on the mission field. , so I enjoy your blog and helping teach the truth to other women 😉 I appreciate what you do for I know that it is time consuming , especially with a family. So anything I can do to help further the gospel of CHRIST and HIS truth…. I’m in 😉
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Geogypsy68,
I am thrilled to have you here and appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and love for Christ with us. You are a blessing!
You are welcome to join my prayer team if you would like – and, if there are topics you might be interested in writing a post about, that would be great, too!
I was spending a good 6-8 hours per day at times on blogging and comments. Greg, my husband, has asked me to cut down to about 2 hours/day. That is going to be REALLY CHALLENGING! I so love ministering to women and sharing Christ. I would do it all day long if I could. So, any time you want to contribute when someone needs encouragement or asks about scripture – I welcome your comments and insights. 🙂
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Thank you 😉 what exactly is your prayer team. ? I think I would love to. , but I would like a little info 😉
I knew that writing articles and answering comments is very time consuming. ;( I mean just checking your email can turn into. 2 hrs. ! I also know that your family has to be (2 nd ) GOD being (1st ) and I understand how ministering to other women is rewarding spirituality 😉 and we definitely should , ( with knowledge , comes responsibility . I would love to write a post, however I have not done anything like that since high school ;( I will pray about it. , and I as that you pray with me. 😉 if there is anything I can do
To help you. , I will 😉
Did you check out “sword searcher” ? Or do you know it ?? I think it would be a great tool for you and your husband 😉
Again. , thank you for making us all feel so welcome here 😉 we will be in the states for a visit , LORD willing , Feb . I hope maybe we could meet up for dinner and fellowship ??
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Geogypsy68,
I have an email group and I mail prayer requests – primarily for me and this ministry and my family – to the group about once a week.
I am going to be having prayer days corporately on the blog on Thursdays where we can all pray together for each other, our husbands and our marriages.
The post thing- no pressure or rush – just if there is something you feel led to write about, you could let me know. I always have PLENTY of ideas for posts, so I am not lacking in material. 🙂
You are most welcome!
I’d LOVE to meet you and have dinner – God willing. 🙂 I live in South Carolina.
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Yes I just thought I would bring up the subject, whcih I am forget at times. My husband taught me that this word means lowly eyed, not looking men in the face, and a type of shyness, or modest towards men. Looking men in the eye in some countries is disrespectful to men. I would say this helps me out when men tend to look at us b/c of our beauty if you don’t pay them any mind and not look them inthe eye, they dont tend to flirt with you. I use to always look at men in the eye and was very gullible, I had it tuff in beginning of my marriage when all these men would tend to talk to me, I would wonder why, I was feeding into them and didn’t carry myself in a modest way. I have talked to my husband about the head covering he is in full agreement to wear it when I pray, he said, how could he be against it. So I was happy about that response.
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Peeps,
I have also heard about this – as in – not looking boldly into men’s eyes. Although – I have to say, I do look men in the eye. Probably partly because as a retail pharmacist, that is part of customer service, to look people in the eye and smile and say hello and talk with them.
That is an interesting idea – to think about not looking men in the eye so much. Thanks!
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Peeps,
I’m so glad you asked your husband about the head covering. Isn’t it a sign of God’s favor when a husband responds so positively?
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Hi April, yes, It was a great, I almost thought he would say no b/c in the past when I asked him about head covering, I asked what the scripture meant meant, I never asked If I could possibly wear a scarf. He was totally up for it. I wear something over my head now during prayer, and it helps me to remember who my head is, its humility. So thanks for letting God use you to bring this back.
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Peeps,
It is a simple little thing, but such a help to remember to have the proper attitude of humility and respect. I love it!
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Dear April,
Thank you so much for your blog. I have been searching for not only a reference to the bible but a woman’s perspective on what it means to cover your head when praying…
Sometime last year, after the church service, One of my friends, a guy said to me ” you should cover your head whenever I am praying”. It wasn’t a request but him telling me…I was so angry , I just looked at him and ignored him. Every other time we talked over the phone, he would remind me but I always wanted to know exactly why he was suggesting it. He never explained to my satisfaction, and I once again just put it down to him being mad.
A few months afterwards, I started covering my head in my quiet prayers at home, in my car…Every-time I would start praying, a voice would remind me to cover my head if it wasn’t. Some mysteries of God, we shall never understand but for the months I did it, prayers were answered with clarity and lately I have been thinking more and more about what this means…
Now, I am not married, but your blog on this issue is truly treasured by myself as I go through this phase of obeying God’s word and the Holy Spirit’s prompting in my life…God bless you and be glorified…
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Sandra,
I love hearing your story!
It is my understanding that I married Christian women also covered their head to show their submission to their fathers. It is a “sign of authority” a sign that we are in submission to God’s human authorities over us. 🙂
May God richly bless your walk with Him!!!!
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April,
i love so many things you pointed out in this particular writing. Especailly your willingness to obey the Lord. He will bless you so much in this life and the great life to come for that! I also liked how you talked to your husband about this first as well, making sure your honoring him as well through this act. I had never gave this any second look or thought but you really sparked my interest when i read this, because i want to make sure i’m being obedient to the Lord in all things, even though i struggle daily. But i do want to point out just 2 things i’m wondering. i decided to do my own research and just read read read it over and over and ask god to speak to me. A couple things i got was -context- context, context, context is so important when reading the bible. if you dont know the context you can completely misunderstand almost every word! but then i also got this – if the principals Paul used to support head coverings in Corinth was making sure you don’t appear flashy… or giving attenton to yourself… or even glory to yourself and to be under headship of your husband… then maybe the same principals today may be used to suggest that women not wear head coverings, especially if head coverings become objects of attention or attraction- kind of like how the rich woman back then would be more flashy if they had their hair showing, but rich woman today (like at the horse races and stuff) show their flashiness by extravagent hats… Again, i love this article so much. and just like you said when you get to heaven would God really say “you read my word literally and obeyed and i’m upset,” NO! of course not! he would probably be so pleased with you. But it comes down to your heart always with God. and he knows your heart in doing this act. for some people im sure it could be looked at wrong or like you think you are more holy than them or something i dont know people can always find something to complain about, as for me, i am not positive my husband would like it, maybe we can find another way btw me him and the lord to show his headship in my life, i know sometimes when we pray together he puts his hand on me or sometimes over my head and i feel the same way you described you feel when your head is covered. it’s still something i am willing to talk to my husband about tho and pray about and ask God if this is His will for me. I appreciate your insight in making me think and check my obedience to the Lord. I love you April and all you bring to my life through your wisdom! God bless
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Happywife,
It’s great to hear from you!
It is possible to obey God for the wrong motives – to try to gain glory or attention for ourselves. That is possible with tithing, giving to those in need, going to church, praying, loving others, being a godly wife, respecting our husbands, etc… God is very concerned with our motives. If our motives are selfish or ungodly, then what we are doing is sin.
So, what God desires us to do is to obey Him but for the right reasons – because we love Him and want to please Him.
Great point!
Thanks so much! 🙂
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Praise the Lord for this article!!!
I was wondering how you felt about this issue, April. I am new to this blog and I “stumbled” upon this today.
I am an intercessor, and a single woman. I can personally attest to the power in prayer I seem to have when I cover my head during prayer. I do not attend a church at this time, and I don’t cover my head every single time I pray, but as I’m led of the Spirit to do it. Christ is my Head, and I will continue to wear it once I become part of a fellowship of believers.
Watchman Nee has a very interesting article about the symbolism of the head covering. It speaks directly to the issue of authority. When you are under Godly authority, you can exercise authority in the realm of the Spirit. This is why your prayers seem more effective. I can flow in prayer through the Spirit and sense that I’ve broken through somehow. This is why Satan hates the head covering. It convicts all who have rebellion in their hearts towards God and His righteous authority, whether they realize it or not. This is the underlying reason for the hostility towards the sisters who wear one. It is an outward symbol of an inner reality-you are submitted to the authority of Christ, married or single. This reality will incur the wrath of the powers of darkness. To me this is reason enough to wear one-to tick off the devil!
The heart attitude must be right, though. It must be done out of love for the Lord and a desire to obey His word. There are certainly women who wear one but have an inner rebellion towards God and/or male authority. They may be forced to wear a covering by their denomination or sect.
I pray that God will be at work in the hearts of His precious daughters to bring them under the glorious safety and protection of submission to Him.
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Renee,
Thank you so much for sharing! I am very interested to hear about what Watchman Nee said. I respect his faith and teaching so much. Yes, that outward symbol can attract quite a lot of attention, for sure. You are absolutely right, that motives are always important. God looks at our hearts. Thank you very much for your insights!
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This website contains many of WN publications – http://www.ministry books.org
Look for Head Coverings under “books by watchman nee”
Bless you, lovely sister!
Renee
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Dear Renee,
I am so glad an encouraged that more single women are writing on this blog. I too stumbled upon it one evening after I had a revelation. I started covering my head when I was praying at home after one of my friends’ told me God had told him to tell me…I only wore it in the privacy of my room.This was before I read the Corinthians passage.Suddenly, prayers were answered with clarity and what is speed like to speed according to my humanly expectations. I have recently started wearing the head scarf to church; I was self-conscious in the beginning and found it awkward to be taking it off and on for prayer. So, I decided to wear it throughout the whole service.Now, it is slowly becoming second nature to me, as I pray that I walk in obedience of God not men.
I think we have an opportunity to restore God’s original intention of the role of the woman in the family, in society. Which I think is exciting and will heal our society..
Be blessed
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Sandra,
Welcome!! I am always glad to have single ladies here, too. 🙂 and you are welcome to visit http://www.peacefulsinglegirl.wordpress.com as well.
I am so excited about what God is doing in both of your lives!!!! Feel free to ask questions or comment any time. 🙂
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Hi Sandra,
I feel the same way as you — it seems more awkward and distracting to continually place and remove my headcovering as we pray. I felt it would draw more attention to be messing with my headcovering, so I decided to wear it all through the Sabbath when we are out at church or fellowshipping with other Christians, since we usually have some type of study and prayer.
I think most of my friends are used to seeing me wearing one now. Once when I took it off after service because it wasn’t on securely and kept slipping off, a woman told me I looked naked because she was so used to seeing my head covered!
I fully believe there are blessings for following God’s Word and submitting to His ways, even if we don’t fully understand them. He is great, and His ways are always right. 🙂
Blessings to you all!
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Wow.. I literally have tears coming to my eyes. All day yesterday, I was really being drawn to really being submissive in every area of my life. And then, I begin to really have an intense desire to really research covering my head during prayer. I prayed for God to give me confirmation about it and was lead to this site. Wow. Bless you. Thank you so much.
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Melanie,
You are most welcome!! I am so glad it is a blessing. 🙂
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Fantastic article. Really blessed me! thank you for your courage! 🙂
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April,
I also have been reading and studying this portion of the scripture, having been saved for 30+ yrs. But the church I attend teaches the uncut hair is the covering, and throws out the veil as being needed today.
My husband has recently come to know the Lord in a most powerful way over the last 2 yrs, and since his conversion, God has showed me so many areas where I have been rebellious as a wife. So I have been searching the scriptures and reading other commentaries and blogs about how to be a godly wife. We just don’t have enough examples nowadays! I thought I was one of them, only to doubt myself now when I contemplate this passage of scripture.
So I was always taught, “What if it is sin and I don’t obey something taught because I don’t agree or understand?” Well, it came down to me not cutting my hair because it’s better to err on the side of “right” than to a possible “wrong”.
But now I am understanding this a completely different way than what I was previously taught and think that it is possible I was taught wrong! I have to give an account to God for what he reveals to me, and so I have started wearing lace headbands at church and work, because I tend to pray often during the day.
I was embarrassed to tell my husband of my new understanding regarding covering my hair, and after 2 hrs of amazing godly discussion, he has allowed me to wear lace headbands that I had made, even during the day. I feel very happy inside that I am doing this to honor my husband (who is my head) and it reminds me that I am under him in The Lord. Yesterday, he even had me go online to buy several other hair coverings that are appropriate to wear outside of church, during the day. I think he was pleased to see me place myself under his authority, finally!
My dilemma is how to explain this to my Pastor or others in church, who maybe don’t agree, without challenging the Pastor’s authority. None of them believe the women need to cover their hair to pray…if the hair is uncut. I do not feel it is my place to attempt to sway any of the other members to go contrary to what they have been taught, since this is the Pastor’s flock, and he is the one to give an account to God.
I told my husband that I wondered if the Pastor would understand, and my husband feels that it shouldn’t be a problem, because to deny me the experience of covering my hair if I felt that is what God is telling me to do, would be a stumbling block to my faith.
I hope I am not rambling, but I know that if God is dealing with me in such a strong way about this issue, it is not my place to question Him, especially since my husband wants me to do it, and it is not son. My husband even said it all relates back to the man’s being a visual creature, and this outward show of humility is also a sign of modesty, and he appreciates modesty in women, for obvious reasons discussed in other areas of this site.
So, please pray for me that I find grace in God’s eyes as I yield myself to His Holy Word, and to my husband. (Sorry for such a lengthy post!)
Susanna
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Susanna,
I am so excited about what God is doing in your heart and that you long to obey Him and to honor your husband’s authority.
It is a wonderful reminder – that tangible something on your head – to keep a proper frame of mind when praying. I think it is beautiful.
I don’t believe you will have to say anything to your pastor. You just do what you believe God desires you to do. I don’t think it will be necessary to say anything unless someone directly asks you. And you can say you are doing this in order to honor God’s Word in I Corinthians 11 and to honor your husband. If they have further questions, I am sure they will ask.
I love the closeness this discussion has brought to you and your husband and can’t wait to see all that He has in store for you! 🙂
Much love!
April
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Where do you get your covers? And do you only wear skirts/dresses? 🙂 thx!
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I buy my covers / tichels at Wrapunzel.com or on eBay.
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Susanna,
Ooh! Thank you for that resource! Sounds very interesting. 🙂
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Dear Sister April,
Thank you so much for your courageous and inspiring testimony. I was so much encouraged by it.
April, is it possible to translate this article into Japanese (my mother tongue) and share it with my fellow Japanese sisters on my Christian blog? Could I? If you permit me, I am so grateful.
May our Lord Jesus bless you and your family abundantly.
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Kinuko,
It is a pleasure to meet you! 🙂
Of course you may translate the article and share it.
May God richly bless your walk with Christ!
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Dear April,
Thank you so much for your kind words and your permission.
I am so grateful that God gave me opportunity to share this wonderful testimony with my fellow sisters. I am sure it will touch countless souls.
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kinuko,
You are most welcome, my sweet sister! 🙂 I pray that God will speak to many through this post for His glory.
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Have you found any way to cover your head that doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb? I would be interested in this if you know of anything.
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SavedbyGrace,
Right now, I am using hats, usually a cloche style. I think I spelled that right. 🙂 at home, I use scarves. I think some of the designs at Garlands of Grace are really pretty. But, Greg is happy with hats right now, so that is what I am doing.
I have seen some women wear little crocheted hats that are the same color as their hair. Or a lace band style covering in the same color as their hair. I have researched every possible type of covering, I think. The scarves and snoods would be ok, except that, to me, it is very easy to look like a Muslim or a Jew, and I don’t really want to do that. There are some coverings that are distinctively “Christian” – but they are very definitely belonging to certain groups of Christians – the Amish or Mennonites. And since I don’t go to those churches, it doesn’t seem right to wear those styles either. I saw a video of a choir in Russia at a church where all of the women had a sheer strip of white fabric about 5-6 inches wide as their covering, and some tied it under their chin, some behind their hair. I thought that was lovely, especially the way they all matched.
So, this is a difficult decision in some ways. I would certainly make sure you choose something your husband would approve of.
I am allergic to the sun, and have to cover my neck, jaw, arms, chest and hands. Kind of a bummer. But, I have been tempted to go with the underscarf and scarf thing that Muslim women do sometimes just so that I don’t break out in itchy whelps all over my neck. So far, I haven’t done it yet. But I am definitely considering it! If the allergy gets worse, I may have to do that or a facekini. 🙂
At home, I also wear handkerchiefs or bandanas. Those work well, but are very casual looking.
I understand the frustration and wish that more Christian women were covering so that choosing a style might be a bit easier. Let me know what you decide to try. I would love to hear what you like the best. 🙂
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Wow, this was so inspiring to me. Thank you so much for sharing this. I have often wondered about these verses in the past. The past few months I have really been serious about studying and practicing Gods design of headship and authority and in respecting and honoring my husband. I think you hit the nail on the head in so many points but this really stuck out to me: “It is SO MUCH EASIER for me to have the proper attitude toward my husband’s authority over me when I pray knowing I have a symbol of his authority on my head. It helps me assume a proper mindset in prayer, a proper mindset toward my husband, and a proper mindset toward God.” I can totally see that. And I think it would be especially helpful to me since my attitude tends to wax and wane at times. It would be a helpful and constant reminder. Perhaps that was the intent of the command/custom in the first place. Many blessing to you sister. I intend to check out more from your site seeing as this brought such a beautiful confirmation in my spirit. 🙂 ❤
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Shana,
It is such a pleasure to meet you!
I am thankful that this post was a blessing. God’s Word may not be popular today – even in our churches – which breaks my heart. But, as we obey His Word in love, trust and faith, we are greatly blessed. 🙂
Much love to you!
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hey peaceful wife, I loved this post and I agree, but what about single women? Should we be wearing a covering over our heads as well? (hats, scarfs, etc). Yes, wearing a covering honors the wife’s husband, but what justification is there for “single” women to wear a covering or does it apply to all women?
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Aaliyah,
It is my understanding that single women wore coverings to honor their father’s authority until that authority transferred to their husbands. Great topic to research.
I believe there is a post about this at http://www.headcoveringmovement.com. 🙂
Much love!
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In the Orthodox Jewish faith, only married women cover their hair – single women, widows and divorcees don’t, though they all dress modestly.
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Moneiba,
Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
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I realize this may be beyond the scope of this blog, but do single adult men also need to submit to their father’s authority until marriage? What if your spouse dies while your parents are still alive?
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Stormie Girl,
Children are under their parents’ authority until they are independent. In some cultures, they are under their parents’ authority until marriage. In some cultures, once they leave their parents’ house they are no longer under the parents’ authority. Of course, believers are to honor their parents even as adults – but that is not necessarily the same thing as obeying their parents.
In Numbers 30, a divorced woman or widow was responsible for herself and was not under anyone else’s authority any longer.
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Hi Peaceful wife 😊
Sending greetings from London here, I had a question – would the same apply for women who are unmarried? In terms of the covering of our head to symbolise headship of Christ I imagine? As opposed to a man (future husband) yet to be in the picture.
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Pardon me, I’ve just seen your recent reply on the same question to another sister 😊
Thank you for the post and God Bless you!
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Kanayo Dike-Oduah,
It is a pleasure to meet you!!! I am glad you found the answer I had shared before. Much love to you!
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I asked my husband about covering my head during prayer & he said I dont know its weird & sounds muslim. I just remembered a few months ago my husband asked me to wear a folded bandana like a head band & he thinks that would be cute. Would that be sufficient head covering? It was my husbands idea to begin with but is it ok that I add more meaning to it if my husband agrees? Also wondering if I should start covering my head anyways since my husband hasnt responded with an answer other that “i dont know.”
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NC,
You can certainly cover your head when you pray privately at home – and if you would like to do a bandana like a head band at church, that would be fine. The point is to show honor to him, if he is not on board, it could be wise to wait to publicly cover your head at church until he is ok with the idea. This is something to pray about and to seek to honor God and your husband about. Much love to you!
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He said he likes it with the bandana idea. I used a beanie yesterday cause I couldnt find anything else, almost immediately after takin it off I feel ive come under attack but God is using it to show me my sin of insecurity & tryin to find value in my husband. I stopped letting little things bother me & I hadnt had sinful thoughts like this til last night & a bit this morning. Ive felt like there is something hindering me with God & ive been praying for him to reveal it I just didnt expect to discover it by experiencing it again. I prayed about it & repented but im unsure if there is something more I am supposed to do or if I just wait on God to help remove it. A few song clips that spoke to me “Your an overcomer” “I let go of your hand for a little while to show you I never left you” “you were meant to live for so much more.” It was nice to hear God cheering me on 🙂
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NC,
Sounds like you are going in the right direction. Keep listening to God’s Spirit and His Word, my precious sister!
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Is it your contention that prophecy and tongues are still in existence? I was always taught that the head covering was for women exercising apostolic gifts of prophecy and prayer (in tongues), which ended when the canon of scripture was finalized. When the gifts ceased, so did the need for a head covering.
Since head covering is not mentioned in any of the previous books of the Bible, that explanation seems the most plausible to me.
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Moneiba,
I don’t see where the need for a head covering ended. Believing women covered their heads in obedience to this passage of Scripture for over 1900 years. I don’t personally practice speaking in tongues. But I am aware of situations where God has given people the gift of tongues in modern times for people to be able to understand the gospel message in their own languages. Prophecy simply means “forth telling” of God’s Word. I do believe that God still uses that gift in His body. You may have a different definition of it than I do.
This Scripture passage doesn’t mention tongues – it only mentions prayer. Certainly we all still pray! 🙂
I invite you to study the issue farther and prayerfully consider it for yourself. The head covering is something Paul says is the only practice of all of the churches. The reasons were not because of gifts, but because of the angels, the order of creation, and for women to show respect for their husbands’ authority. Those things are still valid reasons today, from what I can discern. The only reason that I am aware of that believing women stopped covering their heads was because of the influence of feminism in the culture.
I invite you to check out http://www.headcoveringmovement.com.
Much love to you!
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I’m half white and half Melanesian. That means my hair grows up, like an Afro. It would be nearly impossible to keep a covering on my hair for any length of time, or to grow my hair as long as yours is.
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Moneiba,
God doesn’t specify a length. 🙂 Sometimes hair can be very difficult. I am sure that God knows and understands that. I am also sure that you can pray and ask Him how you might honor Him most with your particular hair and that He will show you a way you can do that. 🙂
Much love to you!
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I am familiar with Christian denominations that require head coverings, no pants on women, long hair, etc. My observation has been that these Christians tend to be very isolated from the world.
What I mean is, I don’t see them evangelizing, I don’t see them doing outreach, I don’t see them doing jail visitations, I don’t see them feeding the poor and needy, I don’t see them standing up for the unborn.
If this is not an accurate characterization of you or your congregation, then I apologize if I sound like I am impugning on your convictions. But it is a phenomenon I’ve witnessed among other groups, and Jesus emphasized the importance of how we treat the “least of these” far more than our hairstyle or dress style.
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Moneiba,
My congregation doesn’t do this. There are no such requirements at my church. 🙂 I came to these convictions personally as I studied godly femininity and God’s Word. The externals are not nearly as important as our hearts. I am simply sharing why I do what I do and sharing God’s Word that we as a culture have been ignoring for decades. And – as you can see – I am evangelizing every day! 🙂
Much love to you! 🙂
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Noo it’s so much more beautiful. There’s so many styles out there I can’t do because my hair isn’t beautiful like yours. Gods hair is like yours. Back in biblical times all Israelites had hair like yours. Go on YouTube and look up styles and how to do them. Have fun with it.
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I just want to thank you sooo much about your videos on youtube ..Especially the one about Controlling wife ..when you told your story it was like you had totally spoken about me and I just thank the Lord For your words of truth I have been miserable and praying and seeking God about myself i know bitterness has secretly had its roots in me and much of it stems from childhood but also my spouse who is very difficult ..i want to be the Woman, wife, and mother that the Lord intends me to be not what i have been.Please pray for me.And thank you sooo much cant wait to share about my transformation into a Peaceful wife with you>>(((hugssss))) Bless You!!!
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Jolene,
I am honored to pray for you and your husband. 🙂 I praise God that He is working powerfully in your heart and helping you to see what is really happening so that you can take it to Him and address it and allow Him to begin to heal and change you. 🙂 WOOHOOO!!!!
Here are some topics you may want to search on my home page:
– idol
– idolatry
– expectations
– fear
– bitterness
– forgiveness
– contentment
– answer to all your marriage problems
Much love to you!!! I’m right here if you would like to talk some more. 🙂
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I love this – I understand this passage much better now- it always confused me but I do agree with everything you said!!
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I came across the article on headcoverings from Pastor Steven Anderson, and I’d like to get your opinion on it:
http://www.faithfulwordbaptist.org/coverings.html
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Stormie Girl,
It is frustrating that we must depend on people to translate Greek for us. We are at the mercy of the translators we are using.
Here is a literal translation of the Greek of 1 Corinthians 11. But- it really doesn’t make sense to me!
http://qbible.com/greek-new-testament/1-corinthians/11.html
Here is a resource that provides the original words and a number of translations into English. You are welcome to research it yourself.
I am satisfied that the verses are describing material/veils for a covering based on what I have read. But – you don’t have to take my word for it. Especially since I don’t read Greek. You are welcome to read and research on your own.
I disagree that if women today cover their heads that their motives must be pride. I believe it is entirely possible for a woman to decide to cover her head out of a desire to humbly obey God’s Word to the best of her understanding.
Ultimately, we will all answer to Christ for this and every issue. I believe our hearts and motives are the main thing. But I would like to see believers at the minimum not condemn women who choose to cover their heads in obedience to this passage.
Wayne Grudem also has comments about this passage that are interesting. He is the Professor of Bible and Theology at Phoenix Seminary and was the main editor of the ESV version. He talks about that the passage does refer to veils. But then he talks about his opinions on this passage today. Could be interesting to prayerfully consider.
http://www.bible-researcher.com/headcoverings2.html
Here is what Michael Marlowe has to say about the Scripture:
http://www.bible-researcher.com/headcoverings.html
Much love to you! May God richly bless your walk with Jesus.
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Stormie Girl,
I also think it is interesting to note that this passage was always interpreted as women wearing a veil or covering over the hair until the past century with the introduction of feminism into the church and the undermining of our husbands’ God-given authority. For over 1900 years, this passage, from my understanding, was not debated. All Christian women wore something to cover their heads (a veil or hat) until feminists declared that husbands don’t have authority and God’s Word does not have authority.
So – that is something to prayerfully consider, as well. What were the motives of those who decided that this practice was no longer necessary? Were these godly women or were many of them actually atheists? Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley describes the history of feminism and what the personal beliefs were of the major leaders in the feminist movement. Very important to see where these ideas originated, in my view.
Much love!
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Do you think the covering was just the hair, or the face as well? I ask because in Genesis 38:15, Judah thought Tamar was a harlot because she had covered her face. Also, 2 Corinthians 3:18 seems to mention both men and women beholding God with uncovered faces. I’m not trying to be argumentative, I just want to explore everything the Bible says on the issue.
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Stormie Girl,
It was only the hair and head, not the face, that was described in I Corinthians 11 🙂
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A few years ago I had the same eye opening experience reading through that passage and I too began covering my hair for prayer and church, I just tied a bandana over my hair so as not to draw to much attention. But every time I spoke of it I was met with anger. People got truly mad at me for covering my head . Mad at me for not calling it a cultural thing, my pastor told me I could wear it if I wanted but warned me to be careful that I must not let myself believe that God actually wants me to wear it, because it really was a cultural thing. I met so much anger and resistance even though I made it clear that it was just what I felt lead to do and no one else had to do it if they didn’t feel lead. That it’s between them and God. I hate to admit but after a while I got beat down, I relented and stopped wearing it. Just a few days ago the Lord put it back on my heart and now I have come across this post and I am so blessed by it, I know what the Lord wants of me, I am encouraged, that you. It really was such a blessing to me, it felt so good to wear it and to realize all that God was giving me, for one little act of obedience
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Sophie,
It has been surprising to me, too, how much anger this particular little tiny thing can generate. It is a command in the New Testament – and one would think that it would at least be tolerated, if not encouraged and taught, in our churches – even if some think it was a cultural thing.
I think that we as the church have drifted so far into the world’s ways and so far from God’s ways in many areas – that it is going to take a very painful and purposeful shift back toward God for us to walk in His ways again. And this is going to bring division between those who want to honor and obey God’s Word and those who want to follow the world. But take heart, my sister! Because there is a movement of God’s Spirit drawing many back to Himself today all over the world. Let’s pray together for the Body of Christ – that He might send a massive Great Awakening to His people. May He give us all hearts that long to please and obey Him no matter what the cost. And may His love and truth fill our lives and His Spirit overflow in our souls with His Living Water – quenching the spiritual thirst of those around us.
Much love to you!
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I obey this verse, I wear a head covering, still tho something puzzles me, that in the end of the verse apostle Paul sais:
But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a COVERING. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice – nor do the churches of God.”
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taut Edith Lacrimioara,
It is confusing in English. Because the word was translated “covering” that was about hair and about a veil. But in Greek, it is my understanding that there were two different words – one was “covering” meaning hair, and one was “covering” meaning veil.
Is that the question you had? Or about that churches have no other practice?
Much love to you!
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Yes I was asking only about the covering only, I will look into Greek thank you, because in English and other languages it sais that long hair was given as a covering. Much peace to you
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Thank you, Peaceful Wife, for blogging about HEADCOVERING. The Lord has recently placed it on my heart to dress modestly and feminine, which for me means dresses/skirts exclusively. Because of this I found your blog in my search for other Christian women doing the same. I needed some guidance and encouragement. Little did I know that He would then lead me to HEADCOVERING! Since I came across this on your blog as well, I began extensive research. I am convinced that head covering is God’s calling for us as His women. Yet I am a little nervous as none of my friends do this and no one in my church. I am excited and happy to begin though. After approaching my husband regarding this topic I am blessed to report that he has encouraged me to do so as he believes I am convicted by the Lord to head cover. Thank you for spreading God’s Word and will for your sisters in Christ.
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Esther,
That is awesome! I am excited about what God is doing in your heart and about your husband’s support. Praying for God’s wisdom for you both. 🙂
Let me know how you are doing!
Much love,
April
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I rarely hear the flip side of this issue – “Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head…” discussed. There are many churches (I’m Episcopalian) where the bishops wear a tall hat called a mitre. Is that wrong? What about when my son prays before football practice with his helmet on?
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Stephen’s Mom,
I Corinthians 11 addresses men, too, saying that long hair is s disgrace to men. It also says that men dishonor their head to pray with their heads covered. That is why men traditionally remove their hats for prayer or for church. They still often do this even for the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem.
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The problem with that interpretation is that the Bible never defines a specific hair length, or even if beards and facial hair are included, as opposed to just hair on the head. Then there was the Nazirite vow to never cut ones hair. Several men in the Bible were actually under this vow for their entire lives, such as Samuel, Samson and John The Baptist.
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I just came to this recently myself. I watched a YouTube video by holyvessel34 that explained it quite nicely. I was also convicted of modest attire while praying for the Angels. Angels are the ones who come gather up our prayers to heaven. Their also the ones that physically fight demons for us. Angels to this day still fall. I skipped over that in scripture as well. Plus I believe it gives them more power when fighting a devil. What do u think about for the Angels?
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Vanessa Williams,
I’m not exactly sure what it means “because of the angels” – but it seems to me to be one significant reason for why the practice of head covering is important.
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The only downside I find to this is I have to MAKE time for God. I can’t just fit him in between the cracks of my day like I used to. This for me is the hardest. I wake up I want to pray but I cant. I have to put on a scarf. It’s very inconvenient. But just like we shouldn’t be quick to speak to people we shouldn’t be quick to speak with the Most High as well. It gives me time to think about what I should pray for and what I should say. I now have to put aside time for Him which is what He wants and even asks us to do. I find myself not constantly just asking for things like i used to because I think more about what I will say. At work I wear a headset so a scarf is a little difficult so I wear a hood over it all between calls to talk to Him. I have to conciously make an actual effort to spend time with God. It makes me respect our time together more. I’m sure He cherishes the time more as well. While at work I was training a girl who wore the whole garb on her head. I think she was Arab don’t know what religion but most likely Muslim. I asked her where she gets her beautiful scarves (thinking there was a secret place she knew to get them cheap) I told her of my newfound knowledge I recently learned from the bible about praying and prophesying and wearing a head covering. I also told her I planned to wear them on sabbaths (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown). She was so happy for me. Two three days later I was called up to training department and in the big white bag was like ten beautiful scarves left for me from her. I felt so happy and so blessed. The Most High blessed me through her for my obedience towards him so I wasn’t always putting silk shirts on top of my heads or hoods or even hiding under covers to pray (lol I did that). He blesses obedience. There is an actual warfare going on above us. When we are obedient and we pray not only does it make us stronger it makes the Angels among us stronger. When we disobey it makes the demons and Devils stronger. We r very important to the Most High. If He says to do something that seems wacky just do it. Churches now days have gotten rid of the law all together. The whole bible is a law. They never seem though to get rid of tithing which is actually food and not money. I’m not coming against the church I’m just pointing out the church right now is blind. We r to have a personal relationship with Christ. We r to do what Christ says not the church. The church is people not a building so why listen to people over God. Bless u all who are coming to the truth. I’m learning so much with new open eyes and I love it. God is amazing!!!!
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Vanessa,
That is so sweet that your coworker sent you some scarves. I love your desire to obey God and to approach Him with honor and reverence. Thankfully, we are under the new covenant of Grace rather than the Old Testament Law now. But God does desire us to walk in obedience to Him and His Spirit gives us the power to want to do that and to be able to do that. Such an amazing gift! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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thank you April for you great advice on this subject i was total confuse about this whole thing but you gave be a scene of understanding
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breonasmith,
I’m glad this was a blessing. 🙂
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I have been praying for some time now. I am no longer married however I too have struggled to understand these verses and God’s perfect will for my life.
The more I prayer the more uncomfortable my scalp has became. I prayed and asked for God’s wisdom, since I know it is His perfect will for me to pray for myself and others.
However as I read through the bible and whenever I prayed my heart was moved to remember these verses.
Today again I asked the Lord for help with my hair, truly wondering if my prayer and my hair were related.
I searched and your blog came up this time. I give God all the glory.
I did not have much to cover my head with but I located some clean material and a head wrapping I had made.
I covered my head and prayed. My head was instantly relieved.
I believe your post and wise advice was a God sent. It makes sense to me that honoring God and giving Him glory has no time boundaries.
Thank you and God bless you. I will now pray with my head covered and Honor my Father in Heaven.
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I have been reading your blog for some time and have really been helped by it. I just discovered that you cover your head during prayer! I am an Orthodox Christian and we do cover our heads in church. Here in the USA, some women do not but in the traditionally Orthodox countries like Russia, Serbia, Georgia, and the like, you will see most women with their heads covered. I never thought of it as a sign of respect to my husband but as submission to God. I always keep one in my purse in case I go to church unexpectedly. So everyone in our parish wears one too, starting around puberty, but it is not strict. Little girls often try them on to be like mama, and some girls wear them later than others. It is neat that you discovered this on your own! I love putting my scarf on, it sort of mentally prepares me to pray, though I do not use one at home.
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Grace,
I love to hear about how other sisters in Christ handle this issue around the world. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
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This was so beautiful ! I am truly blessed by this. Thankyou so much for posting. I cried. And laughed almost throughout the entire reading. Yah bless you because you have blessed me.
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Vanessa Alexander,
I’m glad this was a blessing. 🙂
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I had a dream that I should be praying with my head covered and started seeking God for answers. Thank you so much! God bless!
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