How to Remember: Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith

by Andrew Osenga

Knowing God—the beauty and wonder of old pathsWe are forgetful people. Even our way to God can sometimes feel muddled or lost. Perhaps that’s why God tells us so often to “remember.” Yet, in a noisy world where so many things compete for our attention, how do we hear the voice and experience the presence of God?How to Remember shows how the astonishment of previous generations has been lost and addresses the disconnect many Christians feel toward modern consumer-based evangelicalism. More and more, Christians are discovering less commercial forms of worship and community. Wandering believers are finding life again through ancient paths.In short chapter format, Artist Andrew Osenga invites readers to a life of faith and wonder. Readers reflect on prayer, doubt, grief, confession, joy, lament, time, peace, mystery, and much, much more. Through personal stories and biblical reflection—along with the faithful saints and the sturdy traditions that have gone before us—How to Remember offers language and tools to rebuild and reenter a communal life of faith, hope, and awe.

Genres: Faith, Christian Living, Nonfiction

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Kevin Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book, calling us back to some of the well worn trails that prior generations of churchgoers have left for us. The first half of the book is really all about music, a fitting topic for a musician-writer. Osenga suggests several themes that were prevalent in the classic hymns of prior centuries, but may be waning in recent generations: themes like a capacity for lament, a groundedness in time and space, and room for the mystery of God‘s majesty. After that, he reflects on key practices of Christian faithfulness like liturgy, confession, creeds, and postures of prayer. Each of these is presented in a conversational, accessible way, and very experientially, writing as a fellow pilgrim.

A couple favorite moments:

“Could it be that people coming to church in search of God, healing, and community are instead finding celebrity pastors and the worship band‘s latest single – so they’re turning around and heading back out?”

“To be relevant is simply to be trustworthy to those who need you.”

“We are born with a coin in our hand with faith on one side and doubt on the other. Whichever face you choose to look at, the other is right there, gnawing into your palm. That’s good news for the doubter, and a thorn in the side of the faithful.”

“Sentimentality hurts so deeply because it’s a lie about something we desperately want to believe… At its core, I believe this is why some of today’s modern worship songs can cause unintentional harm… choosing ‘positivity’ over honesty, or just making something sacred feel trivial.”

I could keep going. Andrew Osenga is a really engaging writer, presenting all this material with humor and heartfelt analogies and some fresh new ways to turn an old phrase. It resonated deeply.

[Kevin Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book today and could not stop reading. Andrew Osenga is one of my favorite songwriters in this generation, and his reminders and gentle compelling towards spiritual practices and tradition are nuanced and inspiring. Many in the Anglican Worship music space can be condemning of the modern mega-church movement and the “seeker sensitive” movement, and I felt Andrew presented helpful critique while honoring the good about the western nondenominational movement. As a worship pastor in that particular space, I am compelled, and encouraged by this book, and am excited to comb through it again more slowly in the weeks to come!

[Kristy Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I realized that this book was more a collection of reflections rather than a systematic theory, I really enjoyed it. The chapters on Symbols and Grief were my favorite- very beautifully explained and delivered. I appreciate Andrew’s insight and wisdom from his vast experiences across American churches. Very quick and enriching read!

[Luminous Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thought-provoking book is an invitation to reclaim authentic rhythms of faith and tap into the richness of your spiritual heritage. Through a thoughtfully curated collection of essays, personal stories, and timeless hymns, Andrew guides readers through the profound value and wonder of often-overlooked traditions of faith that can significantly enrich our spiritual lives.

I loved how the author highlighted how traditional hymns, with their themes of doubt, lament, and joy, can often bring a deeper, more nuanced layer of meaning to our worship and to various aspects of our daily lives as believers. This book invites us to embark on a journey toward a deeper, more satisfying life—one that we can begin to explore through the sacred “songs, prayers, and practices of Christians throughout the centuries.”

This is a book to savor.

[Graig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to leave this low a review because I think the author had the best intentions in writing it, intentions to uncover and remind us of the old ways, but it just wasn’t for me. This isn’t a reflection on the author or his writing talent, but it just wasn’t my kind of book, which is sad because I love the idea of uncovering old ways of doing things. He didn’t really delve deep into the subjects, and they all seemed to be written for a modern audience of people who wear the latest clothes, hang out in the right coffee shops, listen to popular musics—I don’t know. It’s hard to put into words. It’s sorta a like taking a very fancy French dinner with a rich heritage and serving it at McDonalds.

[Marcia Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo, Andrew!

This is a book I will read over and over, as a single pass is not enough. So well written. So filled with things to ponder. We heard about it at this years' BTLOG concert in Nashville. My husband bought a copy. He couldn't put it down. I bought the Kindle version. I want to give one to all of my Christian friends! Every chapter is a filled with so much to ponder. If you love the old hymns, you need this. Other chapters were also great surprises. Andrew, I want a study guide to help me lead a class. It's THAT good!

[Lianna Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique book — one with real heart. I especially enjoyed the earlier chapters focused on hymns, though the later chapters, while at times a bit rambling, still held their own. Overall, this is a book that lives up to its title in a faithful and memorable way.

[Chip Hayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing reset on what it means to be rooted in your faith without being mired down by all of the baggage that seems to come with Christianity these days. Written in short chapters, this can either work as a daily reflection / devotional or can be read straight through.