In a Roman Rite Mass, the Prayers of the Faithful (also called the Universal Prayer or General Intercessions) come at the end of the Liturgy of the Word. They follow the homily and, when the Creed is said, the Creed. The Preparation of the Gifts begins afterward.
Where do they fall in the order of Mass?
- The priest or deacon gives the homily. A period of silence may follow.
- The assembly professes the Creed when it is prescribed, as on Sundays and solemnities.
- The priest introduces the Universal Prayer. The intentions are announced, and the people pray or give the common response. The priest concludes the prayer.
- The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Preparation of the Gifts.
If the Creed is not part of that Mass, the Universal Prayer still concludes the Liturgy of the Word after the homily; there is no Creed to wait for. The people normally stand for the Universal Prayer.
Do special celebrations change the prayers?
At a Confirmation, wedding, or funeral, the intentions may address that occasion more closely. Follow the order and texts of the proper rite rather than moving the Universal Prayer on your own. The usual series includes the needs of the Church, public authorities and the world, people in difficulty, and the local community.
Sources
USCCB: Order of Mass; USCCB: Universal Prayer (GIRM 69–71); USCCB: GIRM 136–139.