Should a head covering be worn while singing?
Question:
I have a question regarding the head covering. My current practice is to cover my head whenever praying, in or out of the worship. And I generally wear it throughout the worship period. But I do not normally cover it for singing outside of the worship.
However, the question arises, "Are we praying when we sing certain songs?" My husband contends that praying and singing are different acts of worship; singing is not praying, and thus, the woman is not required to cover her head when singing. But when we sing a Psalm that was a prayer of David, are we actually praying? Or if we sing a song directed to God, are we praying?
I am torn as to what conclusion to come to on this. Some questions to consider:
- I would feel weird if the males and females, in unison, spoke a written prayer to God during a worship service. I am not sure if that would be scriptural. So, is singing a prayer scriptural in the worship?
- What about those songs in which some phrases or stanzas are directed to God, but others are not? Are we in and out of prayer during that song?
The importance of this question comes down to, "Should I be covered when singing certain songs because I am praying."
Thank you for any help you can give with this question.
Answer:
"What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also" (I Corinthians 14:15).
"Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises" (James 5:13).
Praying and singing are referred to as two separate actions; therefore, they are not the same thing. Whether you choose to wear a covering while singing is up to you. There is no requirement being made by God.
Yes, some of the Psalms were also prayers of David (Psalms 14; 86; 142; 143). Even so, they are being used as songs and not prayers. We don't recite prayers because such become rituals, but songs require all to sing the same thing so they are repeated.
