The synchronicity of these events is interesting. Both revelatory experiences must have been happening at the same time—Nephi’s revelation and Lehi’s dream. Nephi goes directly to his father after his experience, no doubt eager to share its details with the one man in the world who would surely understand it in the most intimate and joyful way. But apparently Lehi speaks first, reporting his own revelatory experience.
The timing of both revelations may have been pure coincidence resulting from Lehi and Nephi praying at the same time. True, we do not know what may have prompted Lehi to pray at that time, although he may have been aware that Nephi was concerned about Lehi’s dreams and the dissension with Laman and Lemuel and that, as a concerned father, he was beseeching Yahweh on his son’s behalf. But perhaps Yahweh’s timing was purposeful—preparing Nephi not only for a difficult task but also one that would be a major turning point in his spiritual development. Given the open conflict with his brothers which would ensue, perhaps Nephi’s conversation with Yahweh was necessary to strengthen him for the burden of leadership that would be thrust upon him as the brothers returned to Jerusalem.