Br. Mark 
Writings of Br. Mark Dohle, OCSO, a monk of Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers Georgia. Br. Mark is formerly Prior and is currently guestmaster for the Monastery, His writings relate to those he works with in his ministry, particularly the elderly and dying.
Prayer and self knowledge
Self-knowledge does not always bring with it understanding. We can know something about ourselves, even the root of the issue, yet still not know what to do about it, if anything, to get rid of it. Prayer when thought about by many people, think about if it really works or not. If prayers or answered… Read More ›
A good deed
I believe that God whispers to us all. I also believe that those who pray and meditate are more open to this inner conversation that they are often unaware of. Also there are people whose heart is open and tender even if they don’t pray, at least on a conscious level. For I also hold… Read More ›
What we believe is a choice
Prayer keeps us open to the Spirit. The Spirit seeks to heal and lead us to fuller life; we all have an infinite capacity to grow, to learn, to love and to have an ever deeper relationship with the Infinite, the lover of our souls. Either life is an open ended affair, or it is… Read More ›
Sharing a letter with a prisoner
I have written in the past about writing prisoners. I did not plan it, but now I am writing a number of them on a regular basis. It is interesting reading their letters and finding out about their lives and how they deal with prison life. Because I am a monk, most who write tell… Read More ›
The prayer of longing: The Chaplet of Mercy
I like to in the summer months go for a slow walk after Compline. I guess it takes about 40 minutes or so. It is beautiful time of the day and it helps me to let go of the stress of the day before I go to bed. I have written a number of times… Read More ›
Fear is important but can also be a hindrance
We need fear in our lives to protect us. Fear can also build up such high walls around us because anxiety keeps us within a limited zone that some consider comfortable. Some walls are there to keep us out for good reason; others are made to be stepped over before they become too high to… Read More ›
The fruit of prayer and struggle for healing
Prayer is a great help towards healing. If prayer leads us to a simple regard for the presence of God, our inner struggles and wounds become more apparent, and often more painful, because they will repeatedly disrupt our inner seeking of God’s loving presence. Self knowledge that comes through prayer is usually a difficult process,… Read More ›
Tit for tat
I often wonder what it would be like if I finally got it? If I understood what for many, is nonsense, absurd, even immoral if acted upon. Lives can often be weighed down by the sense of wrongs done, or injustices done to oneself. How to handle such a thing? The feelings; the angst, anger… Read More ›
It does not matter
I took Luke to the dentist today, a moved up appointment, which was good, he needed an emergency root canal, so we gladly took the appointment. It is a very nice drive to the office, no traffic, pleasant day, again no rain, which I wish was otherwise. Nice days can be way overrated if you ask… Read More ›
A ritual
Just about every night I have a ritual; putting William to bed with the help of Bernie, one of the CNA’s that works here with me. Some nights he is peaceful, other in a good mood, some nights he likes to scream and fight. Also it can be that all three are present. In any… Read More ›