The subject of head covering has been a point of conversation in many Christian circles. Some see it as an outdated cultural command, while others embrace it as a timeless spiritual truth. To approach it rightly, we need to go back to the Word of God, read it carefully, and seek to understand God’s heart behind the instruction.
This guide is not about forcing anyone into a tradition. Rather, it’s about uncovering the biblical reasons why the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit of God, spoke about women covering their heads in prayer, and why it still carries meaning for us today.
The Scriptural Foundation
The most direct teaching about head covering is found in 1 Corinthians 11:3–16. Here, Paul lays out a spiritual principle based on God’s order of authority:
● Christ is the head of every man.
● The man is the head of the woman.
● God is the head of Christ.
From this order, Paul explains why women should cover their heads when praying or prophesying.
1 Corinthians 11:5-6 (KJV):
“But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.”
Paul connects the covering not to fashion or culture but to honor—honoring God’s order and honoring her own role as a woman before the Lord.
A Sign of Authority and Submission
The head covering is not a mark of weakness or inferiority. It is a symbol. In the same way that baptism is a symbol of death and resurrection, and communion is a symbol of Christ’s body and blood, the head covering is a visible sign of a spiritual truth.
1 Corinthians 11:10:
“For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.”
The covering is a sign of authority and submission. It shows that a woman willingly aligns herself with God’s design. This is not about oppression but about walking in divine order, which brings blessing and peace.
Reverence in Worship
Throughout the Bible, symbols of reverence were common. Moses removed his sandals before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). The priests wore holy garments in the tabernacle (Exodus 28). Even in heaven, the elders cast their crowns before God’s throne (Revelation 4:10).
Covering the head is in the same spirit. It is not about fabric but about reverence. It is an outward action that reflects inward humility and respect for God’s presence.
Not Just a Cultural Instruction
If Paul were only talking about culture, he would not have appealed to creation. Yet he writes:
1 Corinthians 11:8-9: “For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.”
This goes back to Adam and Eve. The principle behind head covering is not cultural—it is divine. It is woven into God’s created order.
A Witness Before Angels
Paul adds something striking: women should cover their heads “because of the angels” (1 Corinthians 11:10).
Angels are present in Christian worship (Hebrews 1:14). They observe God’s people and rejoice when His order is displayed. A woman covering her head in prayer is a testimony not only to people but also to the unseen heavenly hosts. It silently proclaims God’s wisdom in the Church.
A Testimony of Modesty
In Paul’s time, uncovered hair in certain settings symbolized independence or immodesty. His teaching connects prayer and covering with modesty, humility, and the distinction between man and woman.
Even though society today is different, the principle stands: the covering represents modesty before God. It shows that true beauty is not in outward display but in a humble and submissive heart.
Personal Devotion
Beyond public worship, covering the head can be a private devotion. Even in secret prayer, a woman may choose to cover her head as a way of saying, “Lord, I submit to You. I honor You in this quiet moment.”
This transforms the covering from a church tradition into a personal love offering to God.
What About Today?
Different churches hold different views. Some practice head covering strictly, while others ignore it altogether. But the Word of God remains the same.
Paul ends his teaching with:
1 Corinthians 11:16: “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.”
This means it should not be a matter of endless argument. Instead, it is a matter of conviction and obedience. A woman who practices it does so unto the Lord.
The Heart Behind the Covering
The most important truth is this: God looks at the heart. A covering without humility is empty. But when done in love, faith, and obedience, it becomes precious in His sight.
The covering itself is simple. What matters is the heart that says: “Lord, I honor You above myself.”
The Beauty of Obedience
Many acts of obedience in the Bible seemed small yet carried great weight. Noah building an ark, Israel marching around Jericho, Naaman dipping seven times in the Jordan—simple actions that released God’s power.
In the same way, covering the head in prayer may look insignificant to others, but in God’s eyes, it is an act of faith. He delights in those who walk in obedience.
Prayer Points
1. Prayer for Understanding
“Lord, open my eyes to understand Your Word concerning head covering and let me receive it with humility.”
2. Prayer for a Submissive Heart
“Father, give me a heart of submission to Your order, that I may honor You in my worship.”
3. Prayer Against Pride
“Lord, remove every pride and rebellion from my heart. Help me to walk in humility before You.”
4. Prayer of Devotion
“Jesus, let every act of worship I do, including head covering, spring from genuine love and devotion to You.”
5. Prayer for Witness
“Lord, may my obedience be a testimony before both men and angels that I honor Your authority.”
A woman should cover her head to pray because it:
● Honors God’s divine order.
● Reflects reverence and humility in worship.
● Is a testimony before angels and people.
● Demonstrates modesty and devotion.
● Becomes a simple yet profound act of love for God.
At the heart of it all, the head covering is not about rules but about relationship—honoring Christ, who is our true Head.
There is more to learn as a woman, click on the link to find out: https://www.seedwordchristian.com/2025/03/how-should-christian-woman-dress.html
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