How To Help a Friend Cope?

One of my closest friends has a lot going on in her life right now, to say the least. Today, she was crying and at first I was like...what happened? But then I realized that I actually didn't even know what to do. How do you deal with a person who is crying out of fear or sadness? I am the type of person that would usually make a joke to lighten the mood, but I also realize that sometimes that's entirely inappropriate for someone who is crying. Yes, it may make them laugh, but I know that that does not solve any problems. So, I guess the question is, when you have a friend who is crying (my friend is crying out of fear, disappointment, really quite a mix of feelings) what do you say to them? Not to necessarily make them feel better but just to let them know that you care about what they have to say and that you are there for them. Usually I don't say anything (I'm more of a listener) because I know that if I was crying, I wouldn't want sympathy or "nice" words. So, what do you guys say? Is less really more?