I find I can speak to God without any help/rules/intervention by anybody else, in the privacy of my own home or even out in the countryside. If I feel I have 'sinned' (or acted wrongly, as I would describe it) I find I can pray a bit and determine to do better in the future, without anyone else listening to my tale of woe. I can express thankfulness, concern, sorrow, joy etc all by myself, without set prayers from any book.

This system works very well for me, but I wouldn't presume to force it on others. However, the main religions (and also the cults and sects) make it their business in life to control and interfere, regulate and punish any subscriber they can. They have the cheek to think they 'represent' God, and to know exactly what He wants. They see themselves as enforcers. To me, that's a bit sinister.