Francis D. Alvarez, S.J. (“Ignatian Contemplation in the Classroom: Fostering Imagination in Graduate Scripture Study”) gives practical advice on how to use contemplative or imaginative prayer to enhance the study of Scripture, thereby making it not only informative but also transformative. Following the steps of Ignatian contemplation, he explains the value of “composition of place”: the pray-er imagines what the bodily senses may see, hear, smell, touch, etc. in order to stir up the emotions and “affections.” “The point of these bodily and emotional preludes,” Alvarez points out, “is to facilitate an encounter with the God we desire to know” (p. 10). Such a personal encounter is the heart of contemplative prayer and is entirely a grace from God. The pray-er then reflects after the exercise on what he has experienced, and interprets it with the help of a spiritual guide. – from the Editor’s Preface