Make Your Bed

Starting your day with a simple, disciplined routine can set the tone for everything that follows. One of the most overlooked, yet profoundly impactful, actions you can take is to make your bed. This seemingly small act of obedience is more than a chore; it is a symbol of your readiness, discipline, and commitment to not only caring for your responsibilities but also preparing your heart for communion with our Heavenly Father.

Jesus exemplified a life of Kairos living, filled with agape love and intentional actions. Every account of his interactions with the disciples showcased his profound concern for others and his discipline in fulfilling kingdom responsibilities. The Bible provides us with practical examples of obedience that we can incorporate into our daily routines to live a life of obedience. The first act of obedience is making the bed, and the second is entering into a time of prayer, following the example of Jesus in Mark 1:35 :

Let’s explore why starting your day in this way can transform how you approach both your daily tasks and your relationship with God.

Why Making Your Bed Matters
It’s easy to overlook the importance of making your bed. In the grand scheme of life’s priorities, it seems minor, perhaps even irrelevant. But this small act represents something much bigger—discipline, readiness, and intentional living. When you make your bed first thing in the morning, you start your day with an accomplishment, no matter how small. It is an intentional step toward diligence, an act that says, “I am prepared for the responsibilities of the day.”

As believers, we are called to live with excellence, even in the smallest tasks. We are not perfect by any means, however we should strive to do good and honest work. Colossians 3:23 reminds us,

When we make our bed, we aren’t just tidying up; we are offering a small act of obedience to God, showing that we are ready to be faithful in the little things. Making your bed first thing in the morning is literally the first act of service and labor that you can offer to the lord out of obedience, so we should do it well and joyfully.

This discipline also prepares your mind. By physically setting things in order, you signal to your brain that the day has begun. You create an environment of order and readiness, which, in turn, opens the door for deeper spiritual practices like prayer. It’s a way to build momentum for the rest of your day, starting with something that is within your control.

Making Your Bed as a Metaphor for Life
Making your bed also serves as a metaphor for life. It represents setting things in order—both physically and spiritually—so that you are better equipped to face whatever challenges come your way. When you ignore small tasks like making your bed, it can become easier to ignore bigger responsibilities. Laziness in one area can quickly spread to others, creating a sense of disorder in your life.

But when you choose to take responsibility for small things, you build a habit of diligence. As the saying goes, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” The discipline you demonstrate in making your bed can carry over into your work, your relationships, and your spiritual life. It is a way of showing God that you are ready and willing to take responsibility for what He has entrusted to you.

The Bible speaks often about the importance of diligence. Proverbs 13:4 tells us,

Making your bed is a small but significant way to combat laziness and embrace the diligence that leads to spiritual growth and prosperity.

The Second Act of Obedience: Entering Prayer
Once your bed is made and your environment is in order, you are ready for the second act of obedience—entering into prayer. This is where the true depth of your morning routine begins. Just as Jesus did in Mark 1:35, you can begin your day by seeking God in a quiet, undistracted place.

Jesus’ example is powerful. Before the busyness of the day started, He sought solitude to connect with the Father. This teaches us an important lesson: prayer should be the foundation of our day, not an afterthought. By making time for God in the morning, we align our hearts with His will and invite His presence into everything we do.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to rush through our mornings, barely having time to eat breakfast, let alone pray. But when we follow Jesus’ example, we see the value in setting aside quiet, intentional time for prayer. This doesn’t have to be long or complicated—it can be as simple as sitting in silence, listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Letting the Holy Spirit Guide You
One of the most beautiful aspects of prayer is that it’s not a one-sided conversation. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit, who intercedes on our behalf and helps us pray even when we don’t know what to say. Romans 8:26 (NLT) explains,

When you enter your quiet space for prayer, allow the Holy Spirit to take command. He has been interceding for you throughout the night, even while you were asleep. This is a powerful reminder that prayer is not just something we do; it is something the Holy Spirit does in and through us. As you pray, listen for His guidance, and be open to the direction He may lead you in.

It’s also important to be intentional in your prayers. Don’t just rattle off a list of requests—take the time to really connect with God. Bring the topics that are near and dear to your heart before Him, and trust that He hears you. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us,

In your prayers, be specific. If there’s something weighing on you, bring it to God. If there’s a decision you need to make, ask for His wisdom. And most importantly, express gratitude for His love, care, and provision. Gratitude is a powerful way to shift your mindset and focus on the goodness of God, even in the midst of challenges.

The Ongoing Conversation with God
Prayer is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing conversation. Just as you start your day with prayer, make it a point to revisit those conversations with God throughout the day. Maybe at lunchtime, you pause for a moment of reflection. Or in the evening, you revisit the topics you prayed about in the morning. This creates a rhythm of prayer in your life, where you are constantly in communion with God.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to “Never stop praying.” This doesn’t mean we have to be on our knees 24/7, but it does mean that we can maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day. As you go about your work, your relationships, and your responsibilities, keep the lines of communication with God open. He is always with you, ready to guide, protect, and provide for you.

Ending with Gratitude and Confidence
As you conclude your morning prayer, take a moment to express gratitude. Thank God for His guidance, for His protection over your day, and for the opportunities He has placed before you. Gratitude is a powerful way to shift your perspective and focus on the blessings in your life.

When you start your day with obedience—making your bed and entering into prayer—you can move forward with confidence. You have laid a foundation of discipline and communion with God, which will carry you through whatever challenges come your way. Proverbs 16:3 says,

When you commit your day to God, you can trust that He will guide your steps and bring success to your endeavors.

Conclusion: Living with Intentional Obedience
The practice of making your bed and entering into prayer may seem simple, but it is a profound way to start your day. It represents intentional obedience, discipline, and a heart that is ready to seek God in everything you do. By taking care of your physical environment and creating a quiet space for prayer, you set the tone for a day filled with purpose and spiritual connection.

As you incorporate these practices into your daily routine, remember that they are more than habits—they are acts of obedience to God. When you start your day with Him, you invite His presence into every aspect of your life, and you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your day is covered by His grace and guidance.

So tomorrow morning, make your bed, enter your quiet space, and spend time in prayer. Let these simple acts of obedience become a foundation for a life lived with purpose and intentionality, in constant communion with your Heavenly Father.