I always thought the Force was the equivalent of God in Star Wars. Not in the sense that some people can use it, but that there is the belief in the Force. Han doesn't believe in it, but Bail Organa does (at least according to RotS novel, IIRC). The Jedi are like priests of the way of the Force.
"May the Force be with you." may be considered the equivalent of "God bless you." or "May God be with you."