Alan Kearns' Devotional Writings and Their Significance
Alan Kearns' devotional writings are primarily known through their inclusion in Anglican liturgical resources, particularly within the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion [2, 8]. These writings often take the form of "songs" or prayers designed for specific seasons of the church year or particular spiritual themes. For instance, Kearns penned "A Song of Christ the Servant" for Lent, "A Song of Faith" for Easter, and "A Song of the Messiah" for Christmas, among others [2]. These titles suggest a focus on the life, work, and person of Jesus Christ, aligning with traditional Christian devotional practices.
The devotional nature of Kearns' work places it within a long tradition of Christian spiritual writing aimed at fostering personal piety and communal worship. Early Christian writers, such as those found in the Ante-Nicene Fathers collection, frequently emphasized themes of reverence for God, fear of future wrath, and reliance on God's grace, urging believers to "be found in Christ Jesus unto the true life" [4]. Similarly, patristic authors often composed prayers and exhortations that sought to strengthen faith and encourage repentance, highlighting God's long-suffering nature and His invitation to sinners [3]. The collection of such writings was seen as a means to honor God and edify humanity, with new instances continually being added to the body of devotional literature [9].
Kearns' contributions, by being integrated into the Thirty-Nine Articles, reflect an Anglican emphasis on structured worship and theological reflection within the liturgical calendar. This contrasts with some other traditions that might prioritize spontaneous prayer or less formalized devotional expressions. For example, while Methodist theologian Adam Clarke emphasizes the importance of doing "all in the name of the Lord Jesus" in daily life, suggesting a pervasive devotional mindset, Kearns' work is specifically framed for liturgical use [7]. The Anglican tradition, as evidenced by the Thirty-Nine Articles, provides specific prayers for various occasions, such as "A Prayer in Times of Crisis" or "For Favourable Weather in Time of Need," indicating a structured approach to addressing spiritual and temporal concerns [8].
The themes present in Kearns' "songs" resonate with broader Christian theological concepts. "A Song of Christ the Servant" for Lent, for instance, likely reflects on Christ's humility and sacrificial work, a theme central to the Lenten season. The concept of Christ as a servant and shepherd is a recurring motif in scripture, with the author of Hebrews describing Jesus as "the great Shepherd of the sheep," who provides for and protects His people through an eternal covenant [6]. Similarly, "A Song of the Messiah" for Christmas would naturally focus on the incarnation and the salvific role of Christ, echoing the patristic understanding of the Son's co-eternality and shared substance with the Father [1].
The significance of Kearns' devotional writings lies in their role in shaping Anglican spirituality and worship. They provide specific texts for reflection and prayer that guide congregants through the theological narratives of the Christian year. This structured approach to devotion, while distinct from the homiletical methods of some early Christian writings which might be criticized for their "feeble" thought or "confused" arrangement [5], offers a consistent framework for spiritual growth. The inclusion of these songs within a foundational Anglican document underscores their perceived value in fostering a deep and theologically informed faith among believers.
Sources
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 6: Gregory Thaumaturgus, Dionysius, Julius Africanus, Methodius, Arnobius — ORATION ON THE PALMS.(1) (part 7): as His who begat Him, is with eternity, coeval and pre-existent to it. For this is common to both; nor does the Scripture attribute this honour to the Son, as if it came from another source, nor as if it had a beginning, or could be added to or diminished--away with the thought!--but as that which is His of right by nature, and by a true and proper possession. For the kingdom of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is one, even as their substance is one and their dom”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), A Song of Christ the Servant (Lent): A Song of Christ the Servant (Lent) A Song of David (Ordinary Time) A Song of Ezekiel (Pentecost) A Song of Faith (Easter) A Song of God’s Children (Pentecost) A Song of Humility (Lent) A Song of Praise (Epiphany) A Song of Redemption (Christmas) A Song of the Lamb (Ordinary Time) A Song of the Messiah (Christmas) A Song of the New Jerusalem (Epiphany) A Song of the Spirit (Advent) A Song of the Wilderness (Advent) Benedicite – a Song of Creation (shorter version) Benedicite – a Song of Creation Benedicite,”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — A PRAYER, WITH THANKSGIVING, DECLARATIVE OF GOD'S PROVIDENCE OVER THE BEINGS HE HAS MADE. (part 1): XXXV. Great art thou, O Lord Almighty, and great is Thy power, and of Thy understanding there is no number. Our Creator and Saviour, rich in benefits, long-suffering, and the bestower of mercy, who dost not take away Thy salvation from Thy creatures: for Thou art good by nature, and sparest sinners, and invitest them to repentance; for admonition is the effect of Thy bowels of compassion. For how should we abide if we were requi”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. XI.--AN EXHORTATION TO FEAR GOD, ETC.: The last times are come upon us. Let us therefore be of a reverent spirit, and fear the long-suffering of God, that it tend not to our condemnation. For let us either stand in awe of the wrath to come, or show regard for the grace which is at present displayed--one of two things. Only[in one way or another] let us be found in Christ Jesus unto the true life. Apart from Him, let nothing attract[16] you, for whom I bear about these bonds, these spiritual jewels, by whi”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — SECTION 3.--CHARACTER AND CONTENTS. (part 1): The style of the homily is poor. It abounds in connectives, which link unconnected ideas; its thought is feeble, its theology peculiar though not false, its arrangement confused. While it furnishes some historical data for practical theology, it is, in homiletical method and matter, in sharp contrast with the Apostolic writings and with the homilies of Origen. Though referring to Scripture, it has none of the virtues of the expository discourse; though hortatory in tone, it has lit”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 13:20: 13:20-21 Benedictions were an important element of letters, speeches, and sermons. The author of Hebrews weaves a number of important themes from the book into his benediction. • The image of our Lord Jesus as the great Shepherd of the sheep (cp. Ps 23) communicates God’s provision for and protection of his people (see also John 10:11-18; 1 Pet 2:25) and is specifically tied here to an eternal covenant.”
- Colossians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Colossians 3:17: Whatsoever ye do in word or deed - Let your words be right, and your actions upright. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus - Begin with him, and end with him; invoke his name, and pray for his direction and support, in all that ye do; and thus every work will be crowned with all requisite success. Doing every thing in the name of God, and referring every thing to his glory, is as rational as it is pious. Could it be ever supposed that any person would begin a bad work in God's name? However, it is so. No people in the universe more strictly adhere to the letter ”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), A Prayer in Times of Crisis: A Prayer in Times of Crisis Acclamation Acclamations Blessing and Dismissal Blessing Blessing Blessings and Ending Blessings and Endings Confessions Creation Dismissal Dismissal Extended Preface Extended Preface Extended Preface For Favourable Weather in Time of Need Gospel Acclamation Gospel Acclamation Gospel Acclamations Harvest Thanksgiving Intercession Intercessions Intercessions Introduction Introduction to the Peace Introduction to the Peace Introduction to the Peace Invitation to Confession Invitation to Co”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 3: Tertullian — PREFACE.[1] (part 1): IF ancient illustrations of faith which both testify to God's grace and tend to man's edification are collected in writing, so that by the perusal of them, as if by the reproduction of the facts, as well God may be honoured, as man may be strengthened; why should not new instances be also collected, that shall be equally suitable for both purposes,--if only on the ground that these modern examples will one day become ancient and available for posterity, although in their present time they are esteemed of less authority, by reason of the presumed ve”