Save Us from Religion

Divine Spirit, save us through religion.
But, when you cannot, save us from religion.

What is requested here is to be saved from the form of religion without the Spirit of it. Save us from hollow religion without the presence of the Divine. Save us from black-and-white restrictions that have no heart, no room for love, and no place for forgiveness. Better to be a repentant sinner than a self-righteous saint.

Save us also from judgment — not Divine judgment, if there is such a thing — but religious judgment, worldly judgment, and our own condemnation. It seems no one is harder on us than we are. If we could change just one thing today, let it be that we will not judge and condemn ourselves, but rather we will see the beauty, the good, and even the perfection of our lives.
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Help us to remember to forgive — that we may be forgiven. And help us to understand that forgiveness is also more for our benefit than for anyone else — that forgiveness breeds forgiveness, and as we forgive, we are forgiven. Let us practice forgiving others, and once we’ve gained some experience, help us apply these lessons to forgiving ourselves. Open our hearts to all people, all paths, and all roads home. Remind us that without forgiveness, there is no salvation. But with forgiveness, we may all find our way Home.