A Penny For Your Thoughts

Today a friend of mine confided in me some relationship issues that they are having, and I had hard time thinking of comforting words to say. This is a new friendship and I was, at the very least, caught off guard by the conversation, and a little out of my comfort zone. Had it been someone I was closer with or knew longer, I usually would have told them to have faith that everything will be alright. I would have also sat them down and asked hard questions to get down to what the core issue was. YET, I didn't think I was the best to give advice because I don't know them very well and was not sure where I could go in the conversation, plus I feel that I don't have enough life experience to advise in certain situations.

During our talk I was quiet and listened, which is probably what they needed most, and interjected the "Oh, I am so sorrys" and "You are NOT a bad person for feeling that ways", but I really wanted to tell them to pray to God and ask for peace in their heart in regards to their situation. (I don't think they are very religious, or for that matter even have a belief in God.) At the end of our conversation I stepped over my usual "I will see you later, I hope you feel better" and invited them to church and told them I would pray for them. I am not sure if this was the right thing to do or if helped any, and I hope I didn't overstep my "New Friend Boundaries", or make them think that they can't talk to me because I will make them uncomfortable with "God" talk. I also hope they don't think I will judge them. I really hope this is not the case. I regretted saying what I did the moment it came out of my mouth, and I hope it won't hinder our growing relationship. But mostly I felt guilty for regretting what I said. I don't want to feel embarrassed bringing up God and my Faith. This brings me to the question, why is it when one brings up God, people automatically shut down and tune out? I find it very rare that I can tell someone I will pray for them, and they say Please Do! Well needless to say I hope our relationship is not ruined because I was honest about my faith. I guess only God and time will tell.