“Why do you wear a covering on your head?” is a question we sisters are sometimes asked. I have replied, “It is a prayer covering. The Bible teaches that women should cover their heads when they pray. I love to wear it, and I’m ready to pray anytime.”
After studying the subject, I realize there is much more to it. It is an ordinance of God, meaning that it is an outward sign with a deep spiritual meaning. The Christian woman’s devotional head covering is a symbol of the Godly virtue of submission. Jesus’ prayer of submission, “Not my will, but thine be done,” brought salvation to lost mankind. Our submission to God brings us happiness and victory in our Christian lives.
Paul teaches on submission in 1 Corinthians 11, that the “head of every man is Christ.” We receive salvation when we submit to God and accept Christ as our head. “And the head of the woman is the man.” In Christ, men and women are “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Pet. 3:7). God’s order is, “Wives, be in subjection to your own husbands” (1 Pet. 3:1). The husband is ordered to love his wife “as Christ also loved the church” (Eph. 5:25). Man takes the leadership, and the woman is to follow and be adorned with a “meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet. 3:4).
The head covering is the outward symbol of a submissive spirit. “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels” (1 Cor. 11:10). The angels are giving glory and honor unto the Lamb and are always subject to God, doing His will. So the head covering is a symbol of Godly submission that gives power in prayer and victory in trials and temptations.
God’s order is “that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God” (1 Cor. 11:3). If I resist God’s plan and do not want to submit, it brings struggles and unhappiness, but God is patient and gentle, drawing me to Himself and teaching me. Living in obedience to God’s plan makes wearing the devotional head covering meaningful and brings great blessings and happiness to my life.
From Messenger Vol. 110, No. 21, October 17, 2012Classification:
