The Work of the People

Liturgy is the work of the people. I've always wanted to write an unflinchingly honest liturgy, in which people are forced to bare their souls to God and to each other, and do the hard work of admitting the truth. I'm not sure that kind of liturgy is practical in a real worship service. But I still want to try it. Bare with me. 
Liturgist: Holy God, we have strayed far from your paths.
Congregation: The road was straight, and we made it crooked. Your voice was clear, and we drowned it out with our own.
L: We are afraid to confess authentically.
C: If we admit that we are wretched sinners, who will love us? Who will rejoice in us? And from where will our pride and glory come?
L: Hear and believe the good news.
C: But we are not listening, to hear the herald of God's word. We are not believing, to trust in the goodness of our God.
L: But the Holy Spirit will enlighten the eyes of our hearts, if only we let him in.
C: We ask the Holy Spirit to open us up, though we are afraid and do not know what this request could bring.
L: From God comes abundant life, life everlasting.
C: We must give up our pet peeves for joy, our grumpiness for trust, and mourning for holy laughter.
L: You must take up your cross and follow Jesus.
C: We must trade our smiles for godly sorrow, and empty mirth for the agony of the crucified Christ.
L: Repentance requires much.
C: A new teaching, with authority! We have never been asked to give much.
L: The kingdom of God needs you, if only you would come. And your God longs for you, if only you would love him.
C: We do not know to what we are agreeing. We do not know why we were chosen.
L: Give thanks and praise to God the Father! For only in the doubts and questions, the places we do not know, can he meet us.
C: This far we know and trust.
L: Give thanks and praise to God the Son! For he willingly laid down his life for poor sinners and wretches like us.
C: This far we know and trust.
L: Give thanks and praise to God the Holy Spirit! For he stands lovingly and boldly in our midst.
C: This far we know and trust. Amen.