am i having a lucid dream?

I used to have nightmares alot, and still do occasionally. the last several years, when i have a certain type of nightmare (monsters/demons/spirits chasing me, usually) i recite the Lord's prayer in my dreams. when i was little, a lady from church told me the prayer would always protect me. it took years and years but i conditioned myself to say this when i was in a nightmare. i also say it out loud, which creeps my husband out really bad. doing this makes me the nightmare stop, or makes me not afraid anymore. nowadays i mostly have end of the world dreams with a random "normal" dream (going on vacation with angelina jolie and brad pitt?) once in a while. anyhow, i am wondering if i am praying because i know i am having a nightmare, am i having a lucid dream?

Only if you consciously know its a dream, is it lucid. Lucidity and Control are mutually exclusive; one can exist without the other. You can recognize your situation and act on it in a way you're conditioned to ("This is a scary unreal situation, I will pray.") and its very likely you subconsciously realize its a dream and that may be affect it yes, but a Lucid Dream is considered as such when you become consciously aware of the fact that its a dream.

Its an unmistakable feeling. Trust me, you'll recognize it :)