The best way to understand personal revelation is to learn from the example of prophets, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the Sunday afternoon session.
He began, "Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves the most important truths of our existence: the living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ; the truthfulness of the restored gospel; and God's purpose and direction for us."
Then he stated: "Much of what I know about personal revelation I have learned from the examples of the prophets, both ancient and modern."
He recounted experiences when he observed prophets' examples of receiving revelation as on different occasions he assisted Elder Marion G. Romney, President Boyd K. Packer and President Ezra Taft Benson in reorganizing stakes.
With Elder Romney, he saw that revelation begins with prayer. With President Packer, he saw that more than prayer is required to receive revelation; that it must be accompanied by study and pondering. With President Benson, though they prayed and pondered, the new stake president wasn't immediately revealed to them. He saw that "revelation comes on the Lord's timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith."
As a young bishop, Elder Hales accompanied Elder Harold B. Lee, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, to a press conference where the General Authority was asked by a reporter when he had last received a revelation and what about. President Lee responded it was the day before when the identity of a new stake president had been revealed to him. Elder Hales said, "I will never forget the spirit that came into that room as Elder Lee bore powerful witness of revelation that can be received by those faithfully seeking to do the Lord's will."
Elder Hales said, "As faithful children, youth, parents, teachers and leaders we may receive personal revelation more frequently than we realize. The more we receive and acknowledge personal revelation, the more our own testimonies grow."
He added, "I am strengthened by the personal revelations I receive in my role as a son of God, a husband, and a father. I am so thankful for the guidance and direction of the Spirit in our home as we seek for direction in family matters."
Prophets in the scriptures such as Adam, Moses, Peter and Nephi, as well as modern prophets were spoken of by Elder Hales as providing examples of receiving revelation.
He said, "Prophets receive personal revelations to help them in their own lives and in directing the earthly affairs of the Church. Our responsibility is to seek personal revelations for ourselves and for the responsibilities the Lord has given us."
Righteousness qualifies a person for revelation, Elder Hales said. He counseled, "We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying and building faith."
He concluded, "As we go forth from this conference, I call upon each of us to seek more and receive more of the Spirit of God."